James had to leave again early this morning so once again I am home alone. I am coming to the end of my 66th year and I wanted to reflect on some of the blessings of the past year.
1. I have a husband who had no major accidents or health issues this year. I am so grateful for him and all he does for me. He is the love of my life!
2. I am grateful for my health and for the wonders of modern medicine.
3. I am grateful to have such a wonderful family whom I love so very much. Here is a list of my grandchildren: Adam 24, Jared Ammon 22, Dallin 19, Joseph 17, Michael 17, Alex 16, Ben 14, James Hayden 13, Anna 12, Max 11, Addy 9 (almost 10), Emmy 9, Rowan and Joshua who just turned 8, and Evan who will turn 8 in November, Ruby 5, Molly 5, and baby Lola 1 1/2 months.
Rowan, Joshua, and Evan will all be baptized this year!
4. I also love my children and their spouses. One of the highlights of the year was getting to see Darrel graduate from pharmacy school and get licensed and go right to work with CVS Pharmacy.
5. Jared was able to buy an optometery practice in El Paso.
6. I am still working with the wonderful young women in the Vernon ward. I love you so very much: Trenda, Alice, Shelly, Jordyn, Kelly, Maddie, Kilee, LeeAnn, Hope, Heaven and Kyah. I also enjoy working with Diana Curtis, Analee Hunsaker, and Ruth Wilhelm. We are the grandma presidency, a.k.a Young Women Presidency.
7. I am grateful for good friends.
8. I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and for all the many blessings I enjoy. I am grateful for the blessings of the temple. It is wonderful to have a temple in Snowflake and I have also enjoyed attending the beautiful new Gilbert temple which was dedicated earlier this year.
9. I know that the Lord is watching over me. I feel His protective hand in my life and know that when I fall short He is there to make up the difference.
10. Some of my favorite foods and drinks: Dr. Pepper 10, LaCasita's green chili chicken enchilada and their refried beans, mixed burros from The Burger House in Miami, lemon meringue cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory, coconut shrimp and sour dough bread from Firebirds. Some of my other favorite restaurants are: Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Chili's, and In N Out Burger.
11. Some of my favorite things to do: Go on Razr rides, hold Lola, play with my grandkids and go on dates with them, read to James on the porch and watch Hallmark movies and Sue Thomas F.B.Eye with him. I love to take pictures of clouds, sunsets, and sunrises, and enjoy the beautiful views from my porch and windows.
12. Attend the temple with the youth and with James.
13. Get pedicures and go shopping with my daughters.
14. I am grateful I had the opportunity to visit with my Aunt Gene and listen to her share stories with me about her parents, grand parents, and herself and my dad. Thank you Aunt Gene!
15. I have a desire to do more family history and missionary work, and to teach the gospel to my grandchildren. The gospel and my family are the greatest blessings in my life.
Life is good!
The storm is coming
This is the note Evan wrote to the
"Tooth Fairy."
