Just a few things I'm grateful for this week.
* Cool, Gray Days. What is it about the low gray sky shedding its tears upon the face of all the land that makes us slow down, step back and focus inward on what matters most? This week, we thankfully received an abundance of rain. Looking out the windows, life just seemed to move a little slower and all of the many errands I thought I needed to run, suddenly didn't seem so important. I found myself putting on a favorite CD, peeling potatoes for a delicious homemade soup and grinding wheat for some delicious homemade bread for my family to enjoy later in the day. There is something so innately satisfying in finding joy in the most simplest of tasks. Cool, gray day, for reminding me that what matters most is always found at home, Thank You.
* A Priceless Gift. Nearly 20 years ago, my life's path crossed with Jan Marie Skousen. She and her husband Jeff, and some other friends, Dave and Michelle Pack, and my Handsome Husband and I found ourselves all newleyweds together in Mesa, Arizona. We became the best of friends. Traveling together, spending weekends together, and just basically becoming each other's family and support system. Michelle and I became mothers for the first time a year apart, while having a baby seemed to always elude Jan and Jeff. Nevertheless, 'Aunt Jan' was the BEST 'Aunt' we could have asked for. Years went by. Moves were made. Precious children continued to come to Michelle and I.
A true Texan by birth, Jan genuinely loves people, children in particular. I have learned more about unconditional love and service from her than possibly anyone else in my life. Jan would literally give you the shirt off her back, the last can in her cupboard or the final nickel in her wallet if you needed it. And you wouldn't even need to ask, she would just GIVE it. On Tuesday, my dear friend Jan became a mother for the first time. Not just to one baby, but to twin baby girls, Annaliese and Mattia. This was a gift priceless gift given to them by the way of an incredible woman; a special friend; a miracle; a surrogate; ...Susan. Susan has given Jan and Jeff the most priceless gift of all, the gift of an Eternal Family. The anticipation over these two little girls has been over 20 years in the making and Tuesday the wait was finally over. To Susan, the giver of the most priceless gift ever given, Thank You.
* The Healing Process. Last week, Dad had another eye surgery to reattach the retina in his left eye. Thankfully, my dad has the best care he could ever want or need from the specialists at the University of Utah Medical Center. After another 90 minute surgery, his prognosis is favorable. We are still praying for a full and complete recovery but we are extremely grateful that he has kept the sight in his remaining eye. We have all learned so much through this trial. Service. Patience. Gratefulness. Love. And above all, Faith. For the many lesson we have learned and continue to learn, Thank You.
* Birthdays. Today is Kellie's 9th birthday. Kellie is our baby and affectionately know in our house as 'Littlelicious'. She brings a smile to our face and laughter to our lives. Birthdays remind me that we all deserve to feel special; that every day and year are precious; that life goes by way too quickly; that you're only little once; and that it's always okay to eat cake and ice cream on your birthday. For all of the joy you've brought to us Birthday Girl, Thank You!
touching............THANK YOU!
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