Day 21 - Siblings

I'm thankful for siblings!

 I have three amazing brothers.  They make me laugh.  Of course as a kid, they made me cry.

 I have a sister that I shared a lifetime of giggles with when we were kids.  We would put on records in my room and dance a polka and pretend to ice skate.  I played a lot of  Barbies and Little People with her.

 As adults, we are friends and I love being with them.

 We played a game called "Pig Pen" when we were little kids.  We would tip the kitchen chairs on their sides and use the space as a feed trough.  Then somehow, one of the "pigs" would escape and the farmer would have to round up his pigs.  We played it a lot.  

We are all level-headed enough to not have any bad feelings over any of the decisions our dad made at the end of his life.  He didn't split his assets equally and I don't think any of us ever questioned that.  I, for one, told my dad years ago to spend all his money except what he needed for a funeral.  He didn't have enough time to do that.  He left us each something that we didn't expect but were grateful for.

I'm thankful that there were no hard feelings or fighting.  I've got some of the best! 

Day 20 - Parents

I am thankful for my mom and dad.  

Everyone has parents but not everyone has a mom and dad.  I had these amazing people in my life for far too short of a time.  My level-headed, witty, common sense mother was tough.  She taught me to work whether I liked it or not.  She made me be responsible for my actions.  Sometimes she was the over-the-top mean mother.  That wasn't always fun but it sure made an impression.  You couldn't get away with anything. 
But, she was the most loving Nana to my children that I could have asked for.  She doted on those children.  I loved watching her take time with them to take them out for a special day.  She was great at being a grandmother!  Sometimes I can still "hear" what she would say about each of the children if she were here.  She was tough but in the end, we became friends and I loved her immensely.
My dad, on the other hand, was the softie of my parents.  He was tender and loving with his words and his touch.  I miss him rubbing my earlobes and giving hugs.  He gave me opportunities to work and earn money.  They weren't always the best jobs, but they were employment.  He was good at that.  He was a smart businessman who cared for his employees.  He was generous to a fault at times.  I miss him so often. 
Together they taught me how to be a God-fearing, covenant keeping, calling-accepting woman. I loved watching them together.  You could see how much they loved one another.  Always touching or holding hands and always kissing in front of us.  They showed me what real love looked like and I believe I have learned. 
When my dad was sick at the end of his life, I had people ask me about the possible outcomes.  I would say, if there is a cure then great!  But if not, what is the worst that can happen?  He will leave this earth and then be stuck in the spirit world with the love of his life, my mother.  I couldn't feel bad about that.  They belong together and after 23 years they are.  I love them both so much and miss them very often.  But, I'm glad they are together and I'm so thankful to call them my mom and dad.

Day 19 - Friends

I have been richly blessed with friends over my lifetime.  I'm going to share just a few since I have photos of them.  But know that I love so many more people who are my friends than just those I have pictures below.

Howard and Marge Sharp.  They are Pat's mission president and wife.  I have come to know these wonderful people over the past 17 years and I love them dearly.  I cherish all the minutes we have together since they are both in their 90's and probably will not be with us for many more years.

My dear friend Laura and her husband Brian.  She moved here when she was just beginning high school or there about.  We became friends instantly or so it seemed.  We just pick up our friendship right where we left it.  Unfortunately we don't see one another enough.

My sweet friend Sue who left this life far too soon.  I loved her friendship and common sense.  She was a gift in my life.

Some people we meet through church or work or through other people.  Dennis and Phyllis became friends through Pat's work.  They were our "camping" friends for several years.  Now we're just plain old friends.

The Barretts are dear friends because they lived in Wisconsin for three years while he served as our mission president.  They are wonderful examples of Christ-like people who don't let the little things in life get them down.  It seems they are able to put the unimportant things out of their lives.  I cherish our limited time with them and love them dearly.

Again, seminary super Saturdays and girl's camp/youth conference was a great place/way to meet these beautiful women.  We went our different ways as we graduated from high school.  Still, we meet with a hug and much love.

Jack and Sharmon Ward.  We made their acquaintance through Jack and Pat's callings.  We kept in contact after the released came.  They are wonderful examples of Christ-like people.  Jack has such a great sense of humor.  I hope it blesses the lives of their missionaries as they are serving as mission president in Roseville, CA.

Ann and I became friends when we started serving together in the Young Women organization.  I believe she is one of those people whom I knew in the pre-existence.  She's been my friend and confidant for many years.  I can pour my heart out to her and I know she won't ever judge me. Her husband Randy is a good guy too.  He sure hit the jackpot when her married Ann.

I don't have a picture but her sister Julie is another woman I don't want to live without.  

Laura and her daughter Alyssa are some of my newest friends.  They are very different women and yet I love both of them so much.  Laura is quite a bit younger than I and Alyssa is younger than my youngest child.  Still, it proves that friendship surpasses any age.

Tracy was the girl I called when I needed a babysitter for my children.  Her mom Gene, was my walking buddy years ago.  Now Tracy is my workout buddy.  She keeps me motivated to exercise and keep moving.  We talk about anything and everything.  I love being able to spend so much time with her each week.

To all my friends who didn't get a shout out on this blog, know that I love you dearly.  My life is richer because you're in it.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

Day 18 - Daughters

I am and will forever be thankful for daughters.

 I have been privileged to be the mother to these beautiful women. They have become my best friends.

Each is so very different in their personalities.  They compliment one another.

 The silliness when they get together is so fun!  It doesn't happen enough for my liking.

 We laugh and laugh and tell stories.

 Because of these beauties, my life is richer than I ever imagined it could be.

 They are women who take their responsibilities seriously.

 They add humor to my life.

I am so grateful to be able to laugh and cry and teach them and learn from them. 

Day 17 - Sons

 How I am thankful for sons!  Both those whom I bore and those who married into our family.

 Other than my husband and father, these are the most important men in my life!  I love that they love each other. 

 Sometimes they are a bit silly and I love that.  Andrew is especially silly at times.  What good men they are.

Jeff and Clint provide for their children and our daughters. I'm so thankful for sons!  These guys are included in my hero list!

Day 16 - Athletics

Oh how I love athletics.  Sport! My favorite thing to do/watch.  I loved playing volleyball and competing in track and field when I was in high school and college.  I'm by nature, a very competitive person.  That can be good and bad.  I just can never cross the line of being crazy about it.  I think I'm far past that point in my life.

 I loved watching all my children play basketball.  They were blessed to play on pretty good teams.  It was almost by accident that I was put behind the table and asked to run the clock during games.  For years I did that and still do at times.  It helps me to keep my mouth shut and watch the game more objectively.

 Having a husband, daughter and now son all putting on the stripes also helps me be more objective.

 I love track and field!  I loved competing and I loved coaching.  I even love watching.  Of course it is way more fun to watch when you have an athlete who really excels at a given event.

 Since I was a high jumper in high school, I had my two youngest children also become high jumpers.  They excelled as well.  It was even more fun as I was their coach for their entire career.

 I thought soccer would be something I would have to endure.  Once I understood more of the rules, it was more fun.  I did love watching my son play with his team.

 The state meet is a BIG event!  This year was so much fun with four athletes competing in five events.  These guys were so much fun.

 I enjoy watching the warm up routines of each of the athletes.  Some of them, including me, do the same thing prior to each attempt or race. 

 Erin competed in the state meet three years in a row.  She never made the podium, but I don't care.  She was there with the best of the best!

 Long and triple jumping weren't their favorites but I still enjoyed watching both of my children improve.  I loved watching Drew Payne.  He was so naturally gifted and figured things out and improved. 

 Being part of a team was just plain fun for me.  I still love being part of a team.  When I have the opportunity to play volleyball with some of the girls, I enjoy the experience to the fullest!

I love sport!  I love the Olympics!  I love the NCAA basketball tournament!  Professional sport isn't my cup of tea.  I am thankful for athletics!

Day 15 - Missionaries

I am thankful for the wonderful, selfless people that give their time and means to serve as missionaries.  I have some of these individuals right in my own family.  Prior to Andrew's service, I took this picture of my all-time favorite missionaries.

I've had the honor to wear that name tag in my life as a stake missionary and now as a church service missionary.  It isn't the same though.  

These wonderful people dedicate their lives to serving Jesus Christ!  I love when they come into our home and share their testimonies. 

I have had opportunities to have them in our home and teach.  I've gone out to other's homes to teach.  Each time I get a glimpse into how the Spirit works with them.

Today, I'm thankful for missionaries all over the world.