1) . we moved here in 2002 - I have never lived anywhere longer than three (3) years, which makes this the place (my home) where I have lived the longest in my entire life (52 years). I have watched my kids grow up here. Robert was only 3, and Jessica was only 9 when we moved to Kentucky. All of my kids were in elementary school, and Jessica was the only one of the age of accountability. Marissa and Robert wouldn't have any previous memories of other places they lived ... this is all they remember as HOME! Nearly 17 years later we are still in the same home (but not for much longer, as we know we are moving this year with Mark's job).
2) It seems like just a few days ago that I started working at Four Points by Sheraton - that was January 17 - one year ago. A whole year has gone by since then - wow! Since graduating with my bachelor, I have had two jobs, both of which anyone with a high school diploma could have done, and the pay was equally disappointing. How did it come to this?
3) We listed the house in September, and we still haven't sold it - and it's January. Honestly, I didn't want it to sell until after December 30th, so I am not complaining even .01%, but in retrospect, I quit my job to get the house ready - painting all the bedrooms, kitchen and two basement rooms, new carpet, new garage doors, painting the deck (grey and white), cleaning the patio, fixing odd things ... etc. And three long months later, the house is still on the market. How can that be, it's a beautiful home? To answer that question is easy, as soon as we put the house on the market, the market dried up - it was sooo slow. We only had showings every 3-4 weeks. There just were not that many people looking to buy a home in our price range. So here we are - still trying to sell our home in 2019.
4) All my kids are grown - this year Robert will turn 20 - WHAT!!!! Jessica will be 26, married, and a mother; Devon will be 24 and married to sweet Sierra! Marissa will be 22 pursuing her dreams of becoming a nurse while she continues her nursing program at BYUI. (PS: She is dating McKay George). Robert will turn 20 while serving his mission in Thailand. It's 20 something for sure this year (and for a few more to come).
Counting my blessings: Mark and I have been happily married for 27+ years. We raised our family in the same place (answer to prayers when we moved to KY). All four kids participated and excelled in various sports (basketball, cross country, tennis, track). All four kids graduate with honors from HS. Jessica married the man of her dreams. Devon married the girl of his dreams. Jessica and Tate graduate from BYU in their perspective fields of study. Jessica will graduate this year from BYU with her Masters in Speech Pathology Disorders. Devon continues in his studies of Computer Engineering, and Marissa made the dean's list and continues her studies of Nursing. All four kids went on missions (Robert is still on his). All four children have received their endowment from God.
I am so grateful to have been able to raise my kids in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. An opportunity that I was not wholly given as a child. I am grateful for the love of my Savior Jesus Christ. I love his patience, love, and endurance with me... as I try to be a better person. I am grateful for the chance to wake up everyday with a pure heart and a clean slate - ready to go forth and attempt to be an example of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for good friends (I don't know that I really have many, I don't know that I really worked hard to make many). I have long time friends that I consider as dear as my family (Stephanie Cannon, Shirley Gillum, Stacy Jespersen, Kathy Thorne, Katie St. John, Elane Teasdale, Sandra Orr, Maureen Green, Paula Heagy and of course more) but I regret that I never really got really close to anyone of them. I feel like I have a million friends, and yet not one that I could confide my inner heart, or would really miss me when I am gone. I am grateful for my education and for the opportunity I have to continue to learn. Knowledge is power. Knowledge gives us opportunities that otherwise would not be there. I am grateful for the financial security we have because of my husband's hard work and diligence as he looks out for our families short and long term financial needs. I am grateful for my safety and my freedom. I live in an area of the world where (for the most part) I do not worry about my safety - I do not worry about being shot, theft, or vandalism, or crime. I am also eternally grateful for the opportunity to have the freedoms I take for granted. I can go anywhere, become anything, etc. I am grateful to have a shelter - but even more - a loving home. Something I worked hard to cultivate and maintain; food - not just any food, but food we enjoy, food at home and in restaurants; clothing & footware - not just any clothing, but what I like (and too much of it), good hygiene, and all the basic necessities of life. I have been richly blessed - and I have been at a point in my life where these things were not available to me, so I know that I have been given much; I know that there are others that lack basic needs and so I must express my deep gratitude for what I have. I am grateful to realize all the wonderful blessings (these and so many more - see below) in my life!
5) Well that's good enough for now ... on to my resolutions.
1. To be more generous with my time and resources to help those in need
2. To study the scriptures and conference talks, not just read them.
3. To say my prayers every MORNING and NIGHT (and in between)
4. Find a meaningful job when we finally move
5. Have more adventure in my life - hike, rock climb, travel, ski, etc.
6. Attend the temple at least twice a month
7. Stay in touch with all my children (and children-in-law) at least once a week
8. Refrain from my insecurities and reminders of my shortcomings - stay positive
9. Improve who I am
10. Live more simple - keep expenses down - appreciate what I have / want less
11. Spend time in a garden every day - enjoy the outdoors
12. Remember to Love my God and Savior every day!!!
13. Be kind to others even in difficult situations
14. Be less emotional
15. Serve your calling with your whole heart
16. Clean up after myself, and Clean the house each week
17. Sew more - be more creative
18. Stay organized and purge unneeded items
19. Stay active - exercise regularly (daily)
20. Keep up with scrapbooks
23. Be a good grandma
24. Be a good mom to adult children
Other more specific ones:
Learn Piano
Finish Mission scrapbook for Marissa
Start mission scrapbook for Robert
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