Gratitude In Trials

Today I am feeling thankful. Not just the "casual thankful" feeling associated with the holiday. This is something deeper, more meaningful.

2008 hasn't been our easiest year. In April, Mark was told that after 17 years with the same company, he would lose his job in June. It was the type of blow that we didn't see coming. That kind of news has the ability to rob you of sleeping, eating and even breathing at moments.

Funny how trials are often our best teachers. It is in the midst of them that you discover who you really are and what you're made of. We spent the summer figuring that out. We leaned on each other more during that time than any other.

We made a commitment to stay optimistic. When I was down, he pulled me up. When he was down, I did the same. We stayed up late talking many nights. We took long walks. We set detailed goals. Our prayers as a couple became more sincere. We spent a lot of time in the Temple.

Most of all, we determined to be grateful. Now that I look back, I can see that gratitude is what got us through. We counted our many blessings and named them one by one just like the hymn says.

We looked at our three joys and felt so grateful that they are happy and healthy. An abundance of happiness and peace flooded over us.

We had some very good friends that we confided in and leaned on. They are like siblings to us now.

We felt grateful that we had followed the counsel of our church leaders to live within our means, avoid debt and save for a rainy day. This brought great comfort to us.

As the days turned to weeks and then months we tried to stay true to our promise of remaining positive.

We actually found ourselves being thankful for this trial and the lessons it was teaching us.

In August, Mark accepted another position with the same company. It has turned out to be a much better job than the one he left. They also gave him a substantial increase in pay which will help in achieving some of the goals we have set.

I am happy for the good job and the extra income but I am most thankful for the deeper lessons that came to us this year.

Lessons in faith, patience and empathy. Things that I wouldn't have learned otherwise, things that will stay with me and make me better.

Cheap Therapy Part 2

To the anonymous angel who left this on my door step.......

Thank you.

Cheap Therapy

Suppose you are a late thirty-something mother of three.

You spend most of your time taking care of the house, the kids, the husband.

You're pretty good about making sure everyone gets to their various lessons, practices and such. You mostly clean up messes, cook meals, do laundry and run children around town cheerfully and without complaint.

You are responsible for dropping off and picking up your husband's dry cleaning. Most of the time you even remember to visit redhanger.com for the monthly coupon.

It doesn't bother you that you don't even own clothes that should be professionally cleaned. Your wardrobe consists mainly of tee shirts, jeans and a semi-cool pair of brown Sketchers and you're ok with that, you really are.

Having a baby in the family has altered your previous life style. You don't get to the movie theater very often, so when you do go, it is kind of a big deal.

You plan for it, look forward to it, hey you might even wear something non-denim and put on a necklace for the occasion.

You swallow the eight bucks-per person- it costs to get in. You can even deal with the additional 6.00 for popcorn and 4.00 for a soda. When it comes to throwing down another 3.00 for a box of Whoppers, you happily oblige.

You see, Whoppers are the real reason you came. Oh sure you could have picked up a box of Whoppers from the dollar store, turned on the tv and camped out on your couch for two hours but everyone knows there is something morally wrong with that picture.

Because you arranged for a sitter, wore your khakis and a necklace, paid 30.00 to get in and because you absolutely deserve it, you take your 3,045 calorie treasure and excitedly find your seat.

You strategically place the Whopper box under the arm furthest from your husband. You hope he is so busy with popcorn that he forgets all about those little round balls of malted bliss.

During the previews you quietly open your precious box, your mouth watering in anticipation. Your personal rule is to grab two at a time. You see, Whoppers should not be chewed. They should always be savored, every serious Whopper connoisseur knows that.

But when you reach into the box, something alarming happens! The box is only about 1/2 full. You gasp, you shriek, it's all you can do to remain seated.

The movie starts, but there is no joy in it for you. Your consumer confidence in the Hersheys Company has been shaken. Why use such a big box only to fill it 1/2 full? It should be illegal. You think about asking for a refund or writing a letter of complaint. Maybe you should file a law suit, that would show 'em!

Your 1/2 box of Whoppers lasts about 1/2 of the movie. You try, but you can't help being irritated. It bothers you so much that you decide to write a blog about it.

You type your frustrations.
You take a deep breath.
You feel better.

Your friends read about your woes, they realize you are nuttier than they thought. They accept you for the Whopper-oholic that you are. All is right with the world once again.

Cheap therapy... works for me.

Book Worm Wannabe

I'm embarrassed to admit the following:

I am not a reader.

You know the Twilight books? I just heard about them a couple of months ago.

Harry Potter? Never got past #3.

The Work and the Glory? Volume one is sitting on the shelf under a pile of dust.


I don't know why I have never been one to read a lot because I really do love getting lost in a good book.

Maybe because I feel guilty when I sit around reading.

The old angel on one shoulder, devil on the other shoulder routine.
Angel: "You really should be folding laundry..."

Devil: "I will right after this chapter..."

Angel: "Get up and make your children some lunch..."

Devil: "They'll live.."

It happens every time.
I get hooked on the book and other things get neglected.
I can't be trusted to read responsibly.

Several weeks ago I turned over a new leaf, took up responsible reading.
Limiting it to free time only. I have managed to finish three books with the time I spend waiting in the car or at night after everyone is tucked in bed.

Reading has been fun and for the most part, guilt free.

Now I am in need of book suggestions. I know that many of you are avid readers and I want to be like you. Please send any recommendations my way, I'm open to most anything.

Thank you for your help and happy page turning.

Sincerely yours,
Kimberly, the book-worm wannabee.

Help Wanted

Help Wanted:

Someone to break into my house and steal the 20 or so pounds of Halloween candy that my twins collected.

Please come between the hours of 8:00 am - 3:00 pm as they are busy at school.

If you happen by when I'm home, don't worry you will not be reported to authorities.

On the contrary, you will probably receive a personal thank you note from my hips, thighs and the flabby area underneath my arms.

Thank you.

The American Dream

We have a new President!

No matter who got your vote yesterday, you had to be moved by the scenes across the country last night as people celebrated Barack Obama's victory.

History was made. People of all colors united. A feeling of optimism swept through cities everywhere.

My mom grew up in a small town in North Carolina. She remembers the black kids having to use different drinking fountains, different doors, sit in designated spots in the lunchroom.

We have come a long way in the last forty or so years.

The message sent to children last night is, anything is possible.

No excuses.
This truly is the land of opportunity.
Dream, work hard and you can achieve.

Tears of Sadness, Tears of Joy

Nineteen months ago.....

Last weekend.....

Welcome home Grandma & Grandpa!