Happy birthday, Parker!

I thought it would be appropriate to post my final thankful jar doings today.  I really enjoyed doing this and I feel like Thanksgiving is a little more meaningful this year because of this and the opportunity to post the things I’m thankful for on Facebook.

There are actually two scroll left if my jar because I made 28.  I plan on still doing them, but I’m going to do them next week because I’m not at home this weekend.  Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and are truly grateful for the things in your life!

I’m Thankful for the Kitchen

On Sunday, I pulled out the scroll, “I’m thankful for the kitchen!  Bake something fun.”  Because of my weight loss goals, I haven’t baked for almost a year.  Baked goods and weight loss don’t usually go together. However, being this time of year, I decided to make some pumpkiny goodness.  I made pumpkin bread and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.  Yum! They’re so good and I’ve realized I can eat baked goods just as long as I don’t go overboard and, of course, that’s the key and the hardest part.

I’m Thankful for Food

On Monday, I pulled out the scroll, “I’m thankful for food!  Go to the store and pick something out that you’ve never eaten before.”  I was going to go to the store to pick something out, but my work is doing a food drive for the Utah Food Bank and I thought that donating food would be more appropriate.

I’m Thankful for Prayer

On Tuesday, I pulled out the scroll, “I’m thankful for prayer!  Say a prayer using the words, ‘I thank Thee for …,’ and don’t ask for anything.”  I really enjoyed saying that prayer, but it was really hard not to ask for anything.  It’s amazing how easily asking for things comes to you.  I had to push those thoughts away more than once.

I’m Thankful for my Heavenly Father

Yesterday, I pulled out two scrolls, one for yesterday and one for today.  Yesterday’s scroll said, “I’m thankful for my Heavenly Father!  Say a prayer expressing your gratitude for Him.”  I kind of felt like I was repeating Tuesday’s item, but it was okay.  I’m glad I have the opportunity to express my gratitude for my Heavenly Father.  He has done and still does so much for me.  He’s always so patient with my shortcomings and helps me feel loved and comforted whenever I need it.

I’m Thankful for the Seasons

Today’s scroll says, “I’m thankful for the seasons!  Go on a walk and just enjoy being outside.”  I actually really do enjoy the seasons.  I don’t always feel like we get all four seasons in Utah.  It seems that Summer and Winter dominate the year, but I do enjoy those couple of weeks of Spring and Fall.  Spring and Fall are my favorite seasons because of the moderate temperatures.  I also love the budding of life–flowers peeking through the ground and baby animals in the pastures–during Spring and I love the colors in the Fall.

Happy birthday, Beck!

I’m still going strong on my thankful jar doings.  I only have a few more days and I’m glad for the experiences I’ve had.

I’m Thankful for My Family

On Sunday, I pulled out, “I’m thankful for my family! Play a game with them.” Corey and I decided we were in the mood to play the GameCube together and so we chose to play Lego Star Wars.  We had a lot of fun.  I’m glad I’m married to someone who enjoys doing the same things I do.  It makes life a lot more fun and enjoyable.

I’m Thankful for My Mom

On Monday, I pulled out, “I’m thankful for my mom! Do something nice for her.”  Unfortunately, both Corey and I were sick on Monday, which didn’t make a very fun birthday for him either so I couldn’t go buy a card to send her.  I wanted to do something for her anyway so I sent her an eCard.  It was fun!

I’m Thankful for a Prophet

On Tuesday, I pulled out, “I’m thankful for a prophet!  Read one of his talks.”  Corey and I usually read the Ensign via the Internet.  However, my co-worker Lauren had an extra copy of the October Conference edition and gave it to me.  I used it to read one of President Monson’s talks while listening to it on our TiVo.  (We TiVo Conference each time it comes on and luckily, we hadn’t deleted them yet.)  It was actually a lot of fun to read and listen at the same time.  I felt like I got more out of it because I saw the words and heard them in President Monson’s voice.  I’ll have to do that with all of the October Conference talks.

I’m Thankful for Computers

On Wednesday, I pulled out, “I’m thankful for computers! Do something on the computer.”  I signed up for Twitter, which I’ve had a lot of fun with so far.  We’ll see how long it lasts.

I’m Thankful for Turkeys

On Thursday, I pulled out, “I’m thankful for turkeys! Do something about turkeys.”  I posted a poem about a turkey.

I’m Thankful for My Dad

Yesterday, I pulled out, “I’m thankful for my dad! Do something nice for him.”  I decided to send him an eCard as well.  I let him know how much I love him and appreciate him as my dad.

I’m Thankful for the Car

Today, I pulled out, “I’m thankful for the car! Clean it and go get some ice cream in it.”  Corey and I dejunked the car.  It still needs to be vacuumed and washed, but it’s cleaner than it was.  We decided not to go get an ice cream in it.  Instead, we just got regular food. But, I’m really grateful for our car.  We’ve had it for 10 years and we need a new one because this one has had issues in the past couple of years, but at least it runs.  And, that’s all that matters right now.

Over the past week, I’ve been continuing to do the things in my thankful jar. It’s a lot of fun and I’m more and more grateful for the things in my life.

I’m Thankful for My Eyes

On Tuesday, I pulled out, “I’m thankful for my eyes! Watch a movie with your family.”  Corey and I decided to watch Orphan because we didn’t get the chance to watch a scary movie for Halloween.  Let’s just say I don’t want to adopt anymore.  Or at least, I don’t want to adopt an older child because they might really be an adult-with-some-hormone-deficiency-that-makes-them-look-like-a-child-who-is-a-psychopath-and-uses-their-innocent-look-to-get-adopted-so-they-can-wreak-havoc-on-the-family-that-adopted-them.  Anyway, it was tons of fun to watch a scary movie with Corey and I’m glad we had the chance to do it together.

I’m Thankful for Sisters

On Wednesday, I pulled out, “I’m thankful for sisters! Do something nice for one of them.”  I have eight sisters, including my three sisters-in-law.  And, like the scroll about choosing one of my nieces or nephews, I didn’t like being forced to choose one of my sisters.  However, Corey told me that I can’t be fair all the time and I realized that he was right, even though I don’t like it.  Anyway, I chose to send a card to my sister Cindy.  I haven’t really talked to her in a couple of years and she’s been having a rough time so I wanted to let her know I’ve been thinking about her.

I’m Thankful for Brothers

On Thursday, I pulled out, “I’m thankful for brothers! Do something nice for one of them.”  I have five brothers, including my four brothers-in-law, but I decided to stick with my actual brother this time around.  If you’re reading this, Jared, expect something in the mail in the next few days.

I’m Thankful for My Teeth

Yesterday, I pulled out, “I’m thankful for my teeth! Buy a new toothbrush.”  I really am thankful for my teeth.  Without them, I wouldn’t be able to eat all the yummy foods I enjoy.  To help keep them healthy, I decided to buy a dual-action battery-powered toothbrush.  And, it’s purple.

I’m Thankful for the Scriptures

Today, I pulled out, “I’m thankful for the scriptures! Memorize one of them.”  I’ve decided to memorize my favorite scripture, Helaman 5:12:

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

I’m continuing to have a lot of fun and good experiences with my thankful jar.

I’m Thankful for Toys

Yesterday, I pulled out, “I’m thankful for toys! Donate some of your toys to goodwill.”  Since I don’t really have any toys to donate, I thought I’d give some of my shoes to the DI.  I have quite a few pairs since I love buying shoes.  (I’m never stopped from buying a cute pair of shoes just because my body type isn’t quite right to look good in them.)  However, I have so many of them that I just don’t wear some of them.  Also, some of them I bought because I thought they were cute, but then I didn’t really like them once I got them home.  They’re pretty much brand new and just sitting in my closet.  I went through all my shoes and I chose five pairs to give to the DI.  I think it will be nice for less fortunate people to be able to buy a nice pair of shoes at a lower cost, especially like I said, since they’re basically brand new.

I’m Thankful for Books

Today, I pulled out, “I’m thankful for books! Go to the library and check out some books to read.”  Today’s Sunday and consequently, the library’s closed.  However, I did just go to the library on Thursday.  I’m going to spend today reading.  Right now, I’m reading All That Remains by Patricia Cornwell.  Next, I’m going to read Cirque du Freak: A Living Nightmare by Darren Shan.  I have a few other books lined up to read as well so I’m quite excited to devote today to reading.

Happy belated birthday, Jack and Jarron!

I’ve had a lot of fun with my thankful jar so far.  It has helped me realize how much I have to be grateful for and I really enjoy making and doing things for other people.  I continue to look forward to the next 20 days.

I’m Thankful for My Legs

On Tuesday, I pulled out, “I’m thankful for my legs! Do something outside that requires your legs.”  I couldn’t have pulled out that scroll on a better day because it coincided with my weekly personal trainer session.  Even though I wasn’t outside, I was still working my legs!  And boy, was I grateful!

There are so many things I love doing that requires the use of my legs, bike riding, walking, roller skating, etc.  I can only imagine what it would be like to be confined to a wheelchair your entire life.  I think it would be so hard because not only are you not able to do the things I like to do, but it limits the places you can go too.  Fortunately, I’ve never had to do without my legs for which I’m very grateful.  I hope I can never take for the granted the mobility I have and enjoyment I get because of my legs.

I’m Thankful for Neighbors

On Wednesday, I pulled out, “I’m thankful for neighbors! Do a secret service for a neighbor.”  I decided to take a plate of cookies to three of our neighbors.  And, instead of making it secret, I let them know as I handed the plate to them, how grateful Corey and I are to have them as our neighbors.  I thought it would be more meaningful (and less scary to eat) if they knew who the cookies were from.  Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture of the cute card I made to go with the cookies.  Corey drew a cute turkey and I colored it and wrote, “Happy Thanksgiving.”

I’m Thankful for Nieces and Nephews

Yesterday, I pulled out, “I’m thankful for nieces and nephews! Write a letter to one of them.”  This one was really hard for me.  Most of you know I have a butt load of nieces and nephews, 36 (almost 37) to be exact if you count my nephews-in-law and my great-nieces and -nephew.  I thought it was hard and kind of unfair to choose only one because I’ve worked really hard not to play favorites with my nieces and nephews, even though it may not always seem that way.  Choosing one kind of made me feel like I was going against everything I have worked for.  However, at the same time, there’s no way I would’ve had the time to send every one of them something either.  I had to choose. I just hope my other nieces and nephews don’t feel bad that I didn’t choose them and I hope they all know I love each and every one of them a lot!  As they all know, they’re my demons and there’s nothing better than that. *hugs*

Anyway, I decided to send a message via Facebook to my niece Kati.  She lives in San Diego and I haven’t seen or talked to her in almost a year.  And, when I did see her last year, it was for a very short amount of time.  I don’t really keep in touch with her via e-mail or messages either so, honestly, I don’t feel like I’ve seen or talked to her for longer than a year.  Consequently, I thought it would be good to send her a message letting her know how much I miss and love her.

I’m Thankful for Teachers

Today, I pulled out, “I’m thankful for teachers!  Do something nice for one of your teachers.”  I don’t really have any teachers right now.  However, I feel like I’ve learned a lot from my counselor over the past four years.  I decided to take her a bag of treats to my session this morning.  (Again, the timing couldn’t have been better.  And no, I’m not rigging things, except for the first day when I made my thankful jar. )

I’m kind of lucky in the sense that I have three sets of grandparents instead of two, but unlucky in the sense that I only knew my mom’s mom, my mom’s stepmom, and my mom’s stepdad.  My other three grandparents died before I was born or shortly after so I never had a chance to get to know them.

My oldest three sisters and my brother were born before Mom Jackson, my dad’s mom, passed away from stomach cancer.  My brother was only five when she died so I’m not sure if he remembers her all that well.  From the stories my parents and older siblings tell me, she sounds like an amazing lady and I wish I would’ve had the chance to know her.  I’m told quite often that I look like her and one of my great-grandparents.

Poppo, my dad’s dad, died when I was three years old.  My only specific memory of him, and it’s really more of an endowment than a memory, is the Indian name he gave me as a baby.  Every time a grandchild was born, he’d give that child an Indian name because our family has Cherokee or Choctaw ancestry.  (I can never remember which one.)  My name is Singing Bird, which I think suits me fairly well since I like to talk so much. My dad has continued this tradition and given each of my nieces and nephews an Indian name as well.  I also still have the card Poppo gave me on my first birthday and I get it out every now and then to read it.

Last year, Grandma Peterson, my mom’s stepmom, passed away.  Out of all of my grandparents, I was closest to her because we lived close by and did things with her fairly often.  As I stated in the post about her passing away, I have many fond memories of her, especially her tenacity. And, anyone who knew her will agree with that statement.

Grandpa Peterson, my mom’s dad, passed away a little over three years before I was born.  He was a Sargent in the US Army during World War II.  He traveled a lot while he was in the Army and one of the places he had a chance to go to was India.  While he was there, he bought my mom a necklace made out of the ivory from elephant tusks.  When I was little, I always admired this necklace and asked if I could wear it so my mom gave it to me about five years ago.  It’s one of my most treasured possessions because it links me to my grandpa.

Mimi, my mom’s mom, passed away nearly ten years ago.  I used to collect Cabbage Patch Dolls when I was little and I bought my first one with the silver dollars she and my grandpa gave me for birthdays and Christmases.  Because I didn’t like the name that came with my doll (Lombardo Corey), I didn’t have a lot of doll clothes for boys, and he was a premie and therefore bald, I renamed “him” Mary Alice, which is Mimi’s given name. After I bought the doll, I was so excited to introduce “her” to Mimi.  I remember that Mimi was delighted with my doll, which meant a lot to me.

Grandpa Bob, my mom’s stepdad, is the only living grandparent I have at this time.  I have (had) a much closer relationship with him than any of my other siblings because I’m the same age as his two grandsons, which makes me feel special as I sometimes don’t feel like I belong in my family since I’m so much younger than all my siblings.

Grandpa Bob would always spoil me when I was younger.  As I mentioned above, he and Mimi gave me silver dollars for my birthdays and Christmases.  I probably had ten before I spent them, which I wish now I had kept.  He also let me ride his motorcycle, which I loved, and gave me $50 when I was sixteen or seventeen so I would enjoy a trip to San Francisco with my parents more.

Unfortunately, over the years, I have lost touch with him.  And, around two weeks ago, I thought about writing him.  This thought has been at the back of my mind since I thought about it.  When I pulled out my second scroll for November this morning, I was delighted it said, “I’m thankful for grandparents: Write a letter to one of them and tell them you’re grateful for and you love them!”  I finished writing my letter about an hour ago and I’m very excited to mail it tomorrow.  I hope I hear from Grandpa Bob soon, but more importantly, I hope he realizes how much I love and miss him.

To help make Thanksgiving more meaningful this year, my mother-in-law sent me an activity to do throughout November until Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving’s my favorite holiday because it’s the only day set aside each year to be grateful.  I wish Thanksgiving wasn’t overshadowed by Christmas and I wish we had more than one day set aside to be grateful.

Anyway, the activity consists of putting 26 scrolls (or the number of days up to and including Thanksgiving if you want to do this another year) that have something to be thankful for written on them.  The scrolls also have an activity for you to do that coincides with the thing written on them.  For example, “I’m thankful for my hands! Do an art project.”  (Because I don’t have a printer that’s working at the moment, I just wrote the items on some paper.)

When I looked at the activity, I thought it would be a lot of fun.  To be honest, I almost decided not to do it because it felt like too much effort and work. Then, I realized that was the point so I created my thankful jar today, which also met the “do an art project” requirement.

I’ve decided to put the jar by my bed, as long as my cat Dax doesn’t keep trying to eat the ribbon so I can pick a scroll each morning.  During the month, I’ll post some of the things I do. I’m actually very excited to do something to show how grateful I am for all the blessings in my life.