Gray Thursday

My husband and I have been "black Friday" shoppers for the last five or six years.  Well, this year we were Gray Thursday shoppers.  I'm not sure that I like the fact that the businesses are now trying to one up each other by beginning their deals earlier and earlier.  I do like the fact that I don't have to get up to go shopping at 5am to get the deal I'm after.  Why can't they all just start at 8am on Friday morning?  There really wasn't anything I was after this year and didn't really want to go, but Patrick insisted that we get an IPad.  I'm learning how to use it and for some things I love it.  Other things like the internet are just way better on my PC. 

Then we also went shopping on Saturday to K-Mart and Penney's.  We got some new sheets for our bed which was a good deal and Andrew got some snow pants for hunting and being out in the cold.  At Penney's they always have their jewelry on sale this time of year and I bought another necklace and earring set.  Loving that.  Their pajamas were on sale and so my dearest thought that everyone should have new PJs for the family picture.  Let me explain.  My niece Liz is going to be taking our family pictures.  She was really excited to do something with a Christmas theme.  I wasn't sure I wanted that, but want to help out her portfolio so decided that I want a picture with everyone in PJs or bathrobes as if it were Christmas morning.  So....all the men are getting new pajama pants and the kids are all getting their new jammies thanks to their Papa.  I think it'll be a great photo!  By the way, there will be a photo with us all dressed up in our nice clothes as well.

I love the deals to be had in the days following (and now also on) Thanksgiving.  But, it could wait a few more hours.  Let those employees have some time with their families too.  I officially believe that Gray Thursday should be outlawed!

Gratitude

As promised, I'm back with my Thanksgiving list of things for which I feel gratitude.
  1. Those brave souls who came to this country seeking freedom to worship as they saw fit.
  2. This country where I can worship as I see fit.
  3. A warm, comfortable home.
  4. A handsome husband who loves me unconditionally.
  5. Incredibly beautiful daughters and handsome sons who are more importantly righteous people.
  6. Friends on whom I can always rely.
  7. The knowledge that I am of divine heritage with a Father in Heaven who loves me.
  8. The Savior of the World with whom I have my own personal relationship.
  9. The opportunity to teach seminary each school day.
10. A strong, healthy body.
11. Enough.  To eat, to wear, to pay bills, etc.
12. The scriptures from which I learn constantly.
13. Grandchildren!
14. Parents who taught me between right and wrong.
15. A sister.
16. Brothers.
17. Technology to keep me "close" to my loved ones.
18. A testimony of the truthfulness of the restored gospel.
19. A living prophet upon the earth.
20. A bishop who watches over his flock.
21. Continuing revelation through the Lord's servants.
22. Women who want to exercise with me.
23. The changing seasons.
24. A wood supply.
25. Christmas lights.
26. Ten wonderful seminary students.
27. The power of prayer.
28. Employment
29. Modern medicine
30. Birds outside my window.
31. Photographs both past and present
32. The testimonies of others who help fortify my own.
33. My mother's writings and stories.
34. A grandmother who always told me how wonderful I was.
35. A grandparents' home where I always felt love.
36. Aunts, uncles, cousins and relatives in general.
37. The temple.
38. Covenants made at baptism and in the temple.
39. Athletics.  I love to watch and play when I can.
40. Schools where my children and I had the opportunity to be educated.
41. Mentors in my life.
42. Music. I love to listen and be involved in it.
43. A group of people called the ward choir.
44. Friendships that will continue through the eternities.
45. This beautiful place called Wisconsin!
46. Automatic washers and dryers.
47. Hot water.
48. A reliable car.
49. Air travel.
50. Sunshine!
I could go on, but I think for today I'm finished.  I live a very blessed and happy life with the most amazing people on earth.  Happy Thanksgiving my friends and family!  I do love you all.

All Better

A good round of antibiotics will knock the strep throat right out of you.  I'm so thankful I live when I do.  If I lived 100 years ago, I would never have survived out of my teenage years.  I've had too many illnesses/surgeries that could have killed me.  I enjoy life very much and I'm very grateful that I've had this splendid opportunity to live it to the fullest.  With tomorrow being Thanksgiving day, I think my next post will be about things I'm thankful for.  Until then...

Sick

The past two days I've been sick.  I don't like being sick.  I'm not sure anyone does.  Fever and chills and a sore throat.  Perhaps I'll be feeling better later today so I can go to my fitness class.

Election Day

All I can say is I'm so glad that the political ads will stop.  He's a liar, she's too extreme.  He's no good, etc, etc, etc.  And last of all, "You're Damn Right." I'm glad that's done.  I despise so much the advertising on all sides.  Some of the worst were from those groups (both Dem and Rep) who support one candidate or another.  They distort everything.  I think I'm with the other 99.9% of the country who is sick and tired of it.  Let's make nice now.