"I feel so blessed..."

Recently I have heard many of my good friends use these words, "I feel so blessed..." I think it has stood out in my mind because I don't feel that I use this phrase very often. I know that I should try to express the gratitude I do feel, even if it is for little things. Thank you to those around me who do use this phrase and remind me that I have things to be grateful for.

I am so blessed...

• because I have people who love me. I love my family and friends. They teach me about all that is good in this life. Thank you.
• because I have a job that provides for our needs. Lately there has been a lot of talk about the economy and cutbacks and I have been so blessed that our needs have been met.
• to have a husband who works hard in his current profession, as well as in school for his future profession. He has been awarded a scholarship for next year and this evening we went to a reception to recognize those students who stand out. We met his benefactors and he had his picture taken on stage with his advisor and this benefactor. I was teary eyed because I was so proud. Thank you.
• because I have a body. I am reminded of this when I tear connective tissue in my back and have trouble walking, sitting, sneezing, etc. Once I have recovered I have all I need to move and function independently.
• because there are people around me who are kind enough to pick up notebooks from the floor or do my dishes or take me to the doctor/pharmacy when I hurt myself and can't do these things. Thank you.
• to enjoy the freedoms of this great nation. Many people have fought and died so that I could be here today. Thank you.

I am so blessed to have a knowledge of the gospel of Christ. This has given me strength and gratitude that nothing else could. I am so blessed to know that this is not the end and that Christ has redeemed me. The people that I love so dearly on this Earth will be with me always and life will move forward. Some days the routine becomes so monotonous and never-ending that I can't imagine life being any different but the reality is we can still be moving forward if we continue to have faith and rely on the Lord for hope. I am so blessed...

Easter Weekend

Drew and I headed to Salt Lake for Conference and Easter Weekend. Drew's dad, Dave, made a place for us at his home and let us stay with him. It was a first and it was a lot of fun. We had made plans with my brothers to have Friday night dinner at Gromo's and it was nice to get together and laugh.

Saturday between conference sessions Drew and I took Anna to lunch for a belated birthday celebration. She's a fun girl and man can she run! Drew told her she had 2 minutes to play before we left the play place and she was zipping between the slide and the stairs, making her way through the tunnels and down the slide as fast as she could to make the best of the last 2 minutes of play.

Mom, thanks for hanging out with me on Saturday night. You are a source of strength to me. Thanks for cheering me on.

For Easter Sunday Dave had purchased a turkey and I was informed on Thursday evening that I would be in charge of cooking said turkey. Thank heaven for the invention Reynolds Oven Bags. Drew helped me rinse the turkey and put it in the bag and in the oven and PRESTO delicious turkey! We had a delicious spread and great company.

I thought I had forgotten the camera but found it before leaving on Sunday so here are a few pictures from Sunday afternoon.

Julie is excited for the camera. Alden loves the wooden spoon and Anna has a new shirt.

WHAPAPOOIE!!!

Pronounced Wha-Pa-Poo-Ee and NO this picture was not posed it is an action shot.