A month of Gratitude

 I can't believe it has already been one month into the year.  The past few months have been difficult ones for me and I haven't been a very cheery person.  I have plenty to be cheerful for and grateful for but it doesn't seem to be helpful.  I know I need to change my attitude about life and find things to cheer me up and not bring the negative into my life.  That is the reason I decided to find one thing (at least) I am thankful for every single day.  

Thus started this 365 day adventure and it has not been difficult to find many things I am grateful for, I feel the negative creep in and try to take over the conversation, I have worked at not allowing myself to add any negative feelings into my days and hope as I continue, it will be easier and easier.

One of my favorite sayings is from Will Rogers.  Don't Let Yesterday Take Up Too Much of Today.  I am working on that and am grateful for the positive feelings of gratitude  I have experienced thus far and hopefully the next 11 months will bring even more and will become the way of life for me rather than the often negative, sad, mean feelings I am experiencing.

My Son

I don't think I have expressed my gratitude yet this year for my son.  Kenneth Blaine Davis.  He is such a wonderful joy. He was a tremendous blessing after so many miscarriages.  As I look back, I really knew nothing about being a mother.  What a wonderful baby he was.  If you could say a baby was too good, it would be Blaine.  But possibly to his detriment.  He wasn't eating enough and was just so skinny.  He was one week old in this picture.  He had a lot of blonde hair, it sure doesn't show up in the pictures.

He smiled very early on and was just happy.  When I walked into a room there would be a smile and I think the way his daughter, Ashlyn laughs, that is the way he smiled.  All the time.  He was such a good boy.

This is his one month old picture.  Still a little skinny but he was doing much better.  I had to wake him up after 3 hours and feed him and that was helping a lot.  Having this new little spirit in my arms and realizing he had been with those who have passed on just so recently.  The gift of life is an amazing thing.  Such gratitude for the sweet little spirit.

As Blaine grew older he just got better.  He loved other children, he loved his grandma's and he loved his dad.  It was a joyful event to see his dad come home from work and the love of a father to a son and the smiles and baby talk that would be received between both of them.

At the time he was born, my husbands daughter, Melissa, lived with us and she loved Blaine very much.  During that time we had a lovely little family filled with joy and love and kindness.  

Then as time went by my beautiful baby boy was becoming a beautiful toddler and when Ambur was born, he loved her from the minute she arrived. He was all about guarding and protecting her.  He has never once thought of her as anything other than his sister through and through.  He was determined to be able to feed her, hold her, change her and listen for her to cry and anything else he could do.  He just took it upon himself to be the best big brother.

He would constantly pick her up and carry her around and I was sure he would accidentally hit her head on a corner or something so we made a rule that he always had to have a pillow under her and ask before he just carried her around so then he was content to have me get her and he could just hold her.  Sometimes I just had to say, "It's mommies turn to hold her".  He could make her smile just by talking to her.  I am certain they were kindred spirits in the life beyond the veil.  She would giggle when he said a prayer and he was so proud when we would go somewhere and he would say I have a new sister and she is mine.  He just loved her so much.  I don't think I can remember one second of jealousy.

I took this picture and told him she was making a funny face for the camera and so he did too.  Not such a good funny face guy!  But cute none the less.

When Ambur broke her leg, he was so concerned about her.  He did things for her and made sure she was out of pain and didn't want for anything.  Just the best son and big brother one could ever ask for.

Life carries on and Blaine just grew and grew.  He loved playing basketball--I think from the minute he was born-- and he was a good friend to all around.  He was a great student and he really didn't get into trouble, all his teachers told me what a joy he was to have in class.

That carried on throughout his years and I will have more posts about his life but today I am grateful for him as my child, an infant, how lucky am I!  He is joy and he is a wonderful father and I am so blessed to be his mother.  I am grateful for his kindness even today and thank my Heavenly Father for the joy he has been to me.  He is a blessing.  I love being his mother.

Joy and Happiness

Today I had a call from a friend I used to work with many years ago and CaptionCall in Henderson Nevada.  It just brought back a special memory of joy and happiness so I am grateful today for that wonderful friend who thought of me and for the wonderful memory she helped me remember.

In 2012 or actually January of 2013, I was flown to Salt Lake City to attend a training for the CaptionCall supervisor position I had just been chosen for.  I was so grateful for the job itself, but more importantly Blaine and Sara were living in SLC at the time and they let Ashlyn come and spend the night with me at the hotel.  She had her little backpack and it was so cute.  We got into the room and there was a big chair that could fold out to a single bed and she looked at it and looked at the big King size bed and I could tell her little mind was going to work.  I asked her which bed she wanted to sleep on and she chose the little one. We got it all made up and even though it was not really late, she climbed right in.  We pulled out the photo book and started looking at it.

 

 

 I am not even completely sure what time is was, but she was out pretty quickly.  she was snoozing away.  I wasn't far behind.  Then at about 2:30 she woke up and she was a little sad.  She said she "wanted to play with her daddy".  That is so sweet.  So I pulled out my tablet and we drew some pictures and I showed her how it could be a camera.

 

 

She was studying the table pretty good so she cold snap her own pictures.  She is really smart when it comes to the technical stuff.  We took a few pictures and then we drew on them.  Of course there is always the funny face. (and yes she climbed into bed with me). She had a lot of fun putting the different colors on it.  I couldn't figure out how to get the line on the side off-so it is part of the picture.

 

She loved taking the pictures.  She took one of our feet.

 

One of her new bubbles. and we played on it for  a while.  She put on my glasses and pulled another funny face. (I still have those glasses after all these years.  She loved them and would try to wear them all the time.  So I have saved them to add a smile to my day when I see them.)

 

 

And then we took our picture together and drew clouds and glasses on ourselves.  It was a bunch of fun.  Ashlyn was giggling so hard.

 Then she put on her Cinderella duds and we took another picture.  She really loves that and t was so cute.

At about 4 am we laid back down and went back to sleep.  We woke up in time to get us some breakfast, and then Blaine was there to pick her up.  We had a great little night. This sweet little spirit from our kind and dear Heavenly Father has brought so much joy and Happiness to my heart over the years.  She giggles all the time and lights up a room.  She is such a joy in my life I am truly blessed and grateful to be her grandmother.

Temple Work

 On this Sabbath day, I am thinking so much of the Temple and how difficult it seems to be for me to go.  I don't know why, I love the Temple.  But I have had some real troubles just going.  As I was contemplating and praying about my thoughts, I came to realize that I am allowing Satan to influence my actions each time I plan to go to the Temple and I remembered another time that I have experienced these feelings long ago in 2011.  I am so grateful for the Temple and the joy it brings to my life to feel so connected to my family, my husband and wonderful friends who have passed from this life.

In 2011, I decided to give more time to the Lord and less to the world and I think that will do the trick.  I turned the cable TV off (at least most of the time), opened the scriptures and set a goal to attend the Temple more often. I felt better enough on Wednesday and went to the temple after work.  Then I went to work prepared to go again on Thursday.  I read scriptures and prayed before work, on my breaks and on my lunch hour.  I felt that my frame of mind was in a much better place.  I hurried to the temple to get to the 4:40 session so I could hurry and get to a work assignment then to hurry to get home so that I could hurry and read more.... I didn't make the 4:40 session and was a little bummed about that.  So I had a lot of time to set in the chapel.  I was on the front row (because I was the only one there for a few minutes) and went to open the scriptures and realized I didn't remember my glasses.  The night didn't seem to be going so well.  Then, the organ music started to play, I Know That My Redeemer Lives, I closed my eyes and listened and I could feel myself unwinding.  I could literally feel the beautiful spirit entering into my mind instead of all the hurry.  Then the next song, There is a Green Hill Far Away (one of my favorites), I Stand All Amazed (the only song I can play both hands on cause my mom worked with me so many hours), I could feel myself being humbled as I heard the beautiful songs, one favorite after another.  Then, A Mighty Fortress which suddenly brought memories of my mother to my mind.  I could hear her playing that song and the passion she would put into playing it.  I looked over and there was no organist there.  What a small miracle that the Lord gave me those beautiful songs and memories as I listened to the music of angels.  By the time we left the chapel my mind and spirit were totally and completely contrite and humbled and ready for a beautiful session. 

I have had many wonderful, testimony building, spiritual experiences in the Temple throughout the years, but I think this night at the Temple means a little more than some because I learned and felt myself become so vulnerable(for lack of a better word).  When I started out, I was all about hurrying and getting it done so that I could go home and say that I was being good on my eating because I knew the Lord wouldn't let me down....etc.  And as my experience came, I was helped to realize that the Lord has never let me down, I have let myself down.  As I entered into the Celestial room, I was hardly able to sit down before a Temple Worker came to me and asked if I had ever seen the sealing room at the top of the stairs.  I had, and I related that to her.  She said, I think you would enjoy seeing it tonight if you want to go up.  So I did.  As I entered into this most beautiful room, I felt my mother's arm embrace me.  She was with someone, a long haired young woman (perhaps the person who's work I completed that night) and with her arm around me, I felt of her love.  That is the most amazing feeling.  The Temple worker was standing behind me and she walked in and shut the door.  I sat down and looked around at the beauty of the room.  Then some others entered in.  I walked back down the stairs and I sat in a chair and prayed.  I felt so very humbled by the experience.  Gradually the room emptied out and I started to leave when I suddenly felt the strongest feeling that I shouldn't go.  So I sat back down in the chair and I bowed my head in prayer and as I did, I felt other' presence kneeling with me and I felt their strength and realized (as I really already know but take for granted), that I have the strength of many around me to help me be a stronger person in the areas of life that I fall short in, there to help me, guide me all just for my asking with the right intentions.  What a wonderful gift Heavenly Father gave to me at the Temple this night.  I am so blessed.

This is such a joyous memory for me.  Sometimes things go on and we forget about journals and experiences but then remembering can light up life in ways we may never think of.  Today remembering this small tender mercy from my father in Heaven boosted me.  I love being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I am so grateful for the love Heavenly Father shows me each and every day and then for the special little gifts he gives me when I seem to need them the most. Gratitude brings so many good positive thoughts into life and I am so grateful for creating this journal of gratitude for 2024.

Help with Job hunt

Today I had a lovely phone call from my older brother Michael.  I haven't kept in touch with Mike as much as I wish I would have, but since my father's passing we have become closer and I am so thankful for that.  There can always be some sorrow for the time that has been missed, but instead I am so grateful for the time we have made up and especially for the phone calls we have had.

Today he suggested that I apply at TSA for a job.  That is something I hadn't even thought of so I looked up and they have an opening.  It will be quite a process, but it will also be a very good job.  I am excited to apply and I don't think I would ever of thought of applying there so I am especially grateful to Mike for suggesting it.  

I thought I would include some pictures of Mike-they aren't from time we have spent together, they are some of his family and some that remind me how much fun I had with Mike growing up.

This is a Michael I know to be his funny, stubborn and humorous side.  He can be very funny.

This is from one of my dad's birthday dinners at Chuck A Rama. I don't really like crowds much so I used to go, set down and just watch my family intermingle with one another.

This fire picture reminds me of how many times we (Mike and I) would go fishing, hiding our home made poles along the creek, talking, laughing and he was an amazing teacher for me.  I learned how to catch and clean the fish.  I learned how good a fresh trout is as it is cooked up on a fire.  I learned how patient and loving he is.  Those are memories I truly cherish about my brother.  Even on our phone calls of today, we have shared some of the memories that camping and fishing over the years have given.

This is my brother and his wife Jonna.  I don't know her well, life just hasn't afforded me to really get to know her, but what I do know is she is kind and caring and I think she must be a lot of fun because Mike would need someone to be fun in his life.  

This is Mike with his TSA team.  I actually got this picture from Facebook so I don't know if it is his going away celebration, but I like the picture.  

I don't know all about my brother, but I do know and am grateful for, his caring and his loving attitude.  You don't have to talk really often to feel loved.  I know my brother loves me and I am so grateful for that.  I know I could call him anytime if needed and he would be helping me out if at all possible.  That is comforting and I am grateful for him.  I am truly blessed.

 

Simple Treats and more

This could be what might be called a 'fill in' gratitude.  Because nothing just jumped out at me today, I decided to show gratitude for one of my favorite simple treats.  I have always loved the good old fashioned rice crispy treat!  But not from the stores, they need to be home made and I think I could eat a panful of them all at once.  Recently, I had the craving for some karo syrup treats.  I sometimes like them better than the marshmallow treats.  So what could I do but get some karo syrup and make them.  I love them and I don't eat quite as many as I do with the marshmallow.

Writing about gratitude for a food item might be a bit much, but in doing so a wonderful memory came to my mind.  Some years ago when I went to visit family in Washington, I was treated to the zoo for my birthday.  Up to that point, I really didn't celebrate my own birthday much.  I try not to be a gloomy person and prevent others from celebrating with/for me, and that was the case.  My wonderful niece, Leah, had no idea that I really didn't celebrate and when she found out she was determined to make it special--which she did.  It was actually one of the best birthdays I have ever had.  We had a great picnic lunch at the zoo and for dessert--what else but rice crispy treats!  Talk about a perfect memory.  This is what I wrote in my journal that day in 2011:

When I say Queen for a day I am talking about how I was treated on my birthday.  It started with me leaving early for the airport in Las Vegas. That was a great way to start off my day.  Then the flight and arrival at the Portland Airport, then we were right off to the zoo.  This is my niece and her husband and their sweet girl, Naomi.  Their other daughter, Ramona was sleeping in the stroller and it was a little wet so we didn't take her out for the picture.  Talk about great people who made my day great.  We headed for the Portland Zoo.  They wouldn't let me buy my ticket--they already paid for it.  We also got a popcorn and a drink later in the day.

These pictures are not necessarily in the order they took place during the day.  There were these cute wood horses and as you can see, Naomi got on one and my sister Debbie and I on the other.

Well, that was to start off with.  Then we put Naomi on with us.

That was simply too much fun for Leah to resist so we added her and she held Naomi while Joe snapped the picture of us all on the horse--good thing it was wooden we might have made the poor thing have a back ache! 

Can't begin to say enough about the elephant.  It was a great part of the day.  You can see his enclosure and if you look very closely on the left side of the picture there is this long tube.  It holds carrots in it.  The elephant, Paky, would pick up the tube hold it high up in the air and then drop it and it would bang on the enclosure and carrots would drop out on the floor and then he would pick up each carrot and eat it.  He repeated this action over and over, it was so fun to watch. 

This is a trike where an elephant actually performed on it.  The pedals were so short I couldn't keep my legs on them and I could barely reach the handlebars.  I bet it wasn't a fun task for an elephant to climb on that thing.

There was a place between exhibits where you could go down through this big log.  Leah went around to the end so Naomi could see her and Naomi wasn't exactly positive about it.  But she started going and then what could I do but follow her!

We were getting our picture taken and Leah said, Put your hand in the mouth and Naomi lifted her hand but then looked up and decided that wouldn't be a good place for her hand.

It was so fun seeing Naomi's excitement (not to mention Leah and my own) each time we would see something new.  This was fun to see how big we were compared to the bears.  Wow!

This picture was Leah's idea.  We were watching the penguins and they were swimming all around and I had Naomi on my shoulders and snap went the camera.

The first exhibit we saw was the Mountain Goat, and they were nice and active walking around and we watched them climb on the rocks.  Then on the other side there was a statue so we went for a picture.

 We saw so many things and the animals were so active.  The mountain lion was right up close to the window and when Leah looked around the corner, the mountain lion was taking a good long look at her.....it was cool to see it so close.  We also saw monkeys (so many varieties), the bears, wolf, otters, aligators, fish, snakes, and bats.  The bats were sort of creepy, you got to see them walking across the cage and they were just a little odd--gave you the creeps a bit.  The weather was a little cool and there were a few drops of rain, but not much really and it made for active animals. Leah and Joe brought lunch for us all and Joe pushed the stroller the whole time we were walking along.  It was just a great and wonderful day.  As we were leaving this big bear was at the giftshop and we had our picture taken.

 This time Naomi was willing to put her hand in the bear's mouth.  She wasn't really nervous to do it by then.  We looked around in the gift shop and I found me a Paky magnet which I got for my magnet collection.  Then it was time to head for home.

 Our dinner consisted of pizza--great pizza--which we didn't get a picture of it before we demolished it.  We were all pretty hungry and I am not sure, but I think Naomi out ate us all.  That girl can put the food down.  They sang happy birthday to me and we had more rice crispy treats for our dessert. (They were the best rice crispy treats ever!)

I really did feel like a queen!  It was awesome and we had such a great day.  Visiting and talking and seeing all the animals was just a really fun time.  I am so blessed and grateful that they were willing to spend their day with me and brought such joy into my life.  Each time I think life can't really be a lot better, Heavenly Father blesses me in new ways and shows me that it can indeed get better.

I couldn't be more grateful today for having such wonderful things and people in my life.  I really am so blessed.

 

Guide Dogs for the Blind

There came a time when I would see Ambur struggle so much just to walk or step up or down.  She fell often and I felt so bad for her.  About that same time, she was working at Deseret Industries and there was a presentation or some type of class and she went off to the Blind school which was so helpful and I will write about my gratitude for that later.  This entry is sort of out of order but today it is what I am grateful for.  

As I was riding on the bus in Salt Lake City one day, a gentleman got on and he had a guide dog.  I asked how he got the dog and he was not shy about telling me at all.  He told me it took about a year and that it didn't have any cost associated with it.  I told him about Ambur and he told me the name of the location was, Guide Dogs for the Blind.

I told Ambur about it and she started doing some checking and applied.  It was literally about a year before they told her she had been accepted and gave her a date to go to California and spend some time training.  It was pretty exciting.  This process included visits with a psychologist, a social worker, home inspections, walks to where Ambur would typically be walking, etc. etc.  It was a lot of paperwork, mental work and Ambur completed it and we just couldn't wait to see what the new member of our family would be like.  

The plane tickets arrived with a special luggage tag.

The applicant doesn't get to know until they arrive what their new companion looks like, acts like, color, age or anything.  While Ambur was off to her school, my friend Paula and I went to California as well and we had some relaxing fun around the sights.

Then the day came and Ambur got to meet her new companion.  I will tell you that I was hoping for a yellow lab or a retriever.  Ambur waited in her room until finally she heard a knock at the door.  This is what she got to experience.

This is the first (or at least one of the first) pictures of Gimlet I saw.  The breeders choose the names, and all of Gimlets siblings' names start with the letter G.  Gimlet is an alcoholic beverage and so thank heavens we are able to call her Gimme.  

Ambur went through her training and Graduation day was coming.  My friend and I arrived at the center in plenty of time to just relax.  It was a beautiful campus.

We went in and got our seat and I looked up and Ambur was just a couple of rows in front of me.  I was glad to see her so happy and joyful.

Each graduate gives a little speech and I love this picture because after just a few days, Gimme was watching her every move and waiting for her response at all times.  I have come to be very grateful for those traits.

All the graduates were setting on the front row with their dogs, all were asleep except one, Gimme!

This has been such a great blessing in both of our lives.  I have a great amount of gratitude for the Guide School and all the time spent, teaching and training and I am grateful that Ambur qualified for this wonderful blessing.  There will be more postings, and you will be able to see what an integral part of Ambur's life has become theirs together.  How much gratitude can one have for the love a true companion gives?  An unlimited amount.