November 29, 2011gggg

We had a great week at Bens. We left on Monday evening because we heard that a storm was coming through that night and we were concerned getting through Snowville. We were happy we did because there was snow on the hills around Snowville. We hit some fog but got there safely. Ben had his procedure Tuesday afternoon and wasn't up to doing much but that gave me time to make some hats for Jacob, Ben and Amelia. The boys wanted hats with their school colors.

Ben finished his work on his Masters in School Administration. I am very proud of him and his desire to constantly improve himself. With Holly's guidance, we got him a face mask so he can ride his motorcycle in the winter. While there I made a Peanut Butter Turtle Pie which was so delicious. I will definitely have to fix it again. I also fixed the breadsticks that I got from Linda. Everyone really enjoyed them and wanted the recipe because they can be made so quickly. I think I am going to see how it will make up as a cinnamon roll. Wednesday we prepared food for Thanksgiving dinner at Holly's parents home. Holly's brother Brian brought his friend Alicia, ( who was darling) and her older sister Teresa also came. So with Jacob there were 10. It was really fun to get to talked to the Parkin's and get their advice about going on a mission. On Saturday we went out for dinner with them and they gave us some more pointers. We certainly appreciated all their advise.

Audrey between her grand parents

Ben, Holly, Amelia, and Audrey

This weekend I had one of those AH moments. In Sacrament meeting the speaker said something very simple; we will find what we are looking for weather it be bad or good. If we look for the good in others, situations and things we can find them and that will help us to be happy and have the spirit be with us. But if we choose to fault find, it sows the seeds of contention and His spirit will depart from us. Then in Sunday School the lesson was taught about "God is Love" I more fully understand the scripture, 1 John 4:8, He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. If we are to emulate God and He is love then that I should love those things and people that he has blessed my life with. I should look for the good in others. God loves each of His children no matter how they are and so should I. I should not judge others by finding fault because fault finding and love can not abide in the same space. Therefore, I can't have His spirit with me and I am unhappy. The choice is up to me. If I fault find and have negative thoughts about people, places or things, I am choosing to be unhappy for I will not have His spirit. But if I look for the good in people, places or things, I will have a happier attitude and will be able to feel His spirit. I will have more love in my heart. I will be more grateful for the things that He has blessed my life with. In the future, I want to accentuate the positive things in my life and eliminate negative feelings for that is the only way toward true happiness.

I am so thankful for my wonderful family. All 46 of them which includes, 9 children who are unique in every way and each has special talents, Tobin with his great compassion for others, Trenton happy attitude, Betty who is so service oriented , Deborah who is so thoughtful, Laura with her quick wonderful smile that can lighten up a room, Ben who's multiple talent blesses so many people, Sarah who is such a great listener, Joe who's heart is so big and Jacob with his great tenacity. (those are just one of the things I love about them there is so much more) Then of course there are the 9 fantastic spouses which includes Linda the wonderful teacher, Martha finds the best in situations, Andy with his great mind, Buck with his great capacity to love, Chuck who is so caring, Holly who is so creative, Andrew who is so conscientious, Catrina who deals with life's challenges with grace and Denton who really values the family. They have blessed me with 14 beautiful grand daughters who are so wonderful because that have great parents, and 13 super grandsons who are so full of life. To top it all off I have one wonderful husband that has supported me thought out the years. He completes me and makes me a whole person. I am so grateful for his wisdom and patients. Words can not express my love for him. I grow to love him more each day.

I am also so thankful for good parents. They certainly weren't perfect, but they were perfect for me because the Lord sent me to them and they gave me the opportunity to learn of Him and His son who have enlarged my soul and blessed my life.