OPPS WAY BEHIND ---the Rest of February

February 15:
I'm thankful for a reliable car. I'm thankful for YSA dances for my siblings. I'm thankful for being able to drop by a friend's house last minute and talk with them.  I'm thankful for a sweet family.  I'm thankful for my parents being such amazing grandparents to my kids. 

February 16:
I'm thankful  for the Atonement.

February 17:
I'm thankful that I live in a place where medical care is so readily available.  I"m grateful for a wonderful pediatrician who takes time to listen to my concerns, is so kid friendly, and is so close!  I"m grateful for healthy children who are growing and developing as they should

February 18:
I'm grateful for play dates with friends.  I'm grateful for YOGA night as part of Depression Support Group! I'm grateful for Ann for teaching it!  I'm grateful for thoughtfulness, meditation, and the chance to relax my body and mind.  I'm grateful for the ability to serve others and to be served.

February 19:
Grateful for Alex, Brianna, and Gavin

February 20:
I'm so grateful for visiting teaching and the ability to share the gospel with friends and ward members.  I'm grateful for such a reliable companion and for amazing sisters.  I'm so grateful for the spirit in my life.

February 21:
Thankful it's Friday.

February 22: 
I'm grateful for wonderful friends.  Today's Sheri's birthday and I just am so grateful for her! She's been such a great friend, study buddy, neighbor, and colleague.  She's just stinkin awesome! I'm grateful for her today

February 23:
I'm grateful Alex will be back in less than a week.  I"m grateful and thankful for those moms and dads who parent alone and how much respect I have for them.  I'm grateful for families.  I'm grateful for the sacrament.

February 24:
Grateful for FHE and for the opportunity to teach gospel principles to my kids!

February 25:
Grateful for a warm bed, comfy house, and enough food to eat and feed my family.  I'm very grateful for warm blankets, washer and dryer, soap, and clean clothes.

February 26:
I'm grateful for my education and the opportunity I had to go to college.  I know that that's a blessing and that not everyone gets.  I'm grateful that I can read and write and express myself. (although not so fluent/eloquent in the verbal area :) )  I'm grateful for comprehension and reasoning.

February 27:
I'm really grateful for TEMPLES!  I love that we live relatively close to a temple and we can get there without having to save for months or for making it a day/couple day long trip.  I am grateful for the spirit I feel there. I know that in those Holy walls, sacred work is being done.  I'm grateful for our church's emphasis on work for the dead so that everyone can have access to those saving ordinances. I'm grateful for girls night out with my mom and my dear friend Destiny.  O and I always see someone I know at the temple and today it was Guyanna for LDSFS.

February 28:
Grateful that Alex surprised all of us and he CAME HOME today!  I was so thankful for him and his dedication as he was away at his last away rotation. I'm grateful for his education.  I'm grateful for snuggles and hugs from my Alex.

Day 29  Feb 14
I'm grateful for a day to celebrate those I love. I'm grateful to be able to talk to Alex via skype.  I'm grateful for chocolate.  I'm grateful for shovels and our family working together to shovel our long long driveway.

Day 30
I'm grateful I have become more aware of my blessings. I'm grateful for warmer weather. I'm grateful to hvae wonderful parents who are willing to watch my kiddos.  I'm grateful for some alone time as I drive Marie and Ben to their YSA dance. I'm grateful to drop by the Guenther's house and just catch up.

Day 31
Grateful for modern medicine.  I thought Bri had strep and she had all the symptoms including a really high fever.  I'm grateful for a loving mom who loves helping out and taking care of my little ones, especially when they are sick. I'm grateful for when dinner plans are amazingly delicious and cheap.

Day 32
I'm grateful for delicious dinners. I'm grateful for having warm house, food, clothes, bed to sleep in, and so many more comfort things.  I'm grateful that I can read.  I'm grateful for criminal system and trying to put those who are danger to others away. Wish for more rehab services too

Day 33
I'm grateful for yoga night! I'm grateful for a wonderful friend Ann who is willing to teach it to group tonight! I'm grateful for time to meditate and focus on my breathing. I'm grateful for kids feeling better. Grateful for nap time.  Grateful for yummy fried chicken my mom made

Day 34
Grateful for computers. Grateful to be able to Skype with Alex. Grateful for our marriage.  Grateful for friends.

Opps Catch Up---Written in a Word Document

Day 22

I’m thankful for family and friends! I am grateful for family time! I’m grateful for a warm house and a microwave and stove.

Day 23

I’m grateful it’s Friday.  I’m grateful for Skype so we can talk and see Daddy/Alex. I’m grateful for my cats and the cats at my house. I’m grateful for silly tv shows.  I’m grateful for running water

Day 24

I’m grateful for cleaning Saturdays.  I’m grateful for friends.  I’m grateful for warm blankets.  I’m grateful for the gospel and the blessings therein.  I’m grateful for visiting teaching

Day 25

I’m so grateful for crockpot dinners.  I’m grateful for plenty of clothes.  I’m grateful for beaituful children who remind me to look at the simple things.  I’m grateful for the cute little laughs from both G and B.

Day 26

I’m grateful for church.  I don’t get much out of it right now but I know that I am creating habits.  I’m grateful for wonderful women and men who have dedicated their life to help others.  I’m grateful for the wonderful apostles and prophets today and in the past.

Day 27

I’m grateful for play dates.  I love seeing friends, having the kids play and being able to have some mom talk time. I’m grateful for warm blankets, heat, and power.  I am grateful for snow and even more grateful that I don’t have to go out in the snow (at least later tonight). I’m grateful for shrimp night (we got it on sale whoo hoo).  I’m grateful for Storyville too.

Day 28:

I’m grateful for snow days and being trapped inside. Grateful to play with my kids and have fun together.  I’m grateful for snow cream and heat.  I’m grateful for homemade bread bowls and chicken florentine soup. 

Day 21

I'm really grateful for play dates with amazing friends.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to talk about family's plans for the upcoming year. I'm grateful for car seats, seat belts, and the sun! Grateful for friends! Grateful for easy dinner: BBQ chicken sandwiches with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, and dessert of smores.  Grateful for family movie night tonight

Day 20

I'm grateful for not having to go out for anything right now. (everything's covered in ice).  Grateful for a wonderful group of friends I get to meet with each week.  Grateful for taco soup.  Grateful for family.  Grateful for my wonderful children who are so sweet an truly help me to grow and develop. Grateful for the Atonement and the opportunity to return to the presence of my Heavenly Father.

Day 19

I'm grateful for warm house. Grateful for weather reports.  Grateful for the opportunity to watch some other kids :)   Grateful for easy dinner ideas

Day 18

I'm grateful for a warm house. I'm grateful for crockpot meals. I'm grateful for a full pantry...which means I am so grateful to be able to go grocery shopping and have some food storage too!  I'm grateful for my two sweet kids who remind me the sweet and simple things in life! I'm grateful for the kids bathtime.  I'm grateful to not worry about where I will stay the night each night.  I'm grateful for energy and electricity.  I'm grateful for hand soap and hand sanitizer.  I'm grateful for washer and dryer.

Day 17

I'm grateful for church! I know that in the long run, the tantrums, screaming, 1+ hours to get the kids ready, the struggle during sacrament etc....well it will all be worth it!  I am grateful for amazing testimonies! I appreciate the diversity in the church and for the amazing strength from everyone!  I'm grateful for family!  I am so very grateful for having a roof over my head and plenty of food to eat.  I sometimes take it for granted!  A person came in to church today and shared his testimony (not a member but was inspired to come into this building--not even knowing it was a church) and how he was homeless, 21, no family, left home at 13, been raped, among tons of other trials and yet he had faith and was grateful to God for all he had! He was even going to college to study Business Management.  Grateful for strong men and women around me too!

Day 16

I'm grateful that I was taught good time management skills! I was able to run a lot of errands this morning with 2 kids in tow before Alex woke up!  I am grateful for a hubby who studies hard and went and took his boards today! I'm grateful for sweet kids! I'm grateful for being able to run to wholesale stores to buy things for A's rotation! I'm grateful for being productive. I'm grateful to spend time with my little family before he leaves. I'm grateful for washer and dryer machines!

Day 15

I am so full of gratitude for all the men and women who serve our country! I know they all have their own lives, families, dreams, and passions and yet they are willing to leave those precious things, go through some unheard of rigorous training, and then go to unsafe places to defend our country and what it stands for. What dedication, service and sacrifice!! For that I will always be so very thankful.

Day 14

I'm grateful for being able to watch a friend's kids today.  I'm grateful for children playing together.  I'm grateful for easy dinners aka it's 4pm and I don't have anything prepared or any ideas of dinner.  So I looked in the freezer and saw a bag of taco meat and decided to whip of some tacos for dinner! Yay!

Day 13

I'm grateful for wonderful friends. I am grateful for the support group and the ability to use my skills to comfort those that stand in need of comfort.  I'm grateful for delicious easy dinners like the Crispy Cheddar Ranch Chicken. I'm grateful for warm house.  I'm grateful for a running car.  I"m grateful for emails.  I'm grateful for clean laundry.

Day 12

Grateful for the ability to get out of the house and run errands.  It helps for everyone's sanity!  I'm grateful for free Youtube yoga videos.  Grateful for the Frozen soundtrack.  I'm grateful for bath time.  I'm grateful for a fresh new start tomorrow. I'm grateful for bedtime--although I wish it would come sooner.  I'm grateful for delicious dinner.  I'm grateful for family.  I'm grateful for blankets and a comfy pillow.

Day 11

I'm grateful for family. I'm grateful Alex was off today. I'm grateful for snuggle time.  I"m grateful for a working vacuum.  I"m grateful for the gospel in my life.  I am grateful for the Savior's perfect example to us of how we should treat those around us!

Day 10

I'm grateful for running water, even though when it came back on--the pipes burst and our basement flooded.  I am grateful for parents willing to work together to turn off the pipes, sweep/shovel out the water and dry up what we could.  I'm grateful for hot chocolate. I'm grateful for family.  I'm grateful for naptime.  I'm grateful for books. I'm grateful for the desire to want to grow and develop more.

Day 9

I'm grateful for clear roads, a vehicle, running water, and heat. I'm grateful for internet and a laptop.  I'm grateful for the gospel in my life. I'm grateful for my savior and his perfect example. I am grateful for being able to meet up with a great friend and her kids. I am grateful for the Atonement. 

Day 8

I'm grateful for school closings, hot chocolate, oven and using it as it heats up the house. I'm grateful for shows like Law and Order SVU and Psych! I'm grateful for warm blankets.  I'm grateful for a vehicle that helps me get from one place to another. I'm grateful for my 2 children: B and G! I'm grateful for running water. I'm grateful for heat.

Day 7

I'm grateful for a beautiful snow fall! It looks so pretty especially when I am inside warm and dry!  I am grateful for friends and family! I'm grateful for time to spend with family!

Day 6

I'm grateful for Subway $5 footlongs, not having to cook, clean or do dishes.  I'm grateful for being able to take the kids out and go grocery shopping. I'm grateful for warm blankets, news channels, and a son who goes to bed at night easily! I'm grateful for lavender scents in baby shampoo, lotion, and baby powder. I'm grateful for sweet cats. I'm grateful for trash disposal services!

Day 5

I'm grateful for church! I am grateful for the comfort and peace I feel when I study the gospel and remember and renew my covenants.  I am grateful that Gavin took a nap on the way to church and stayed asleep when he was put in the stroller! I am grateful I was able to step in and lead the music in sacrament! I am grateful for well behaved children--for the most part! I am grateful for being able to make dinner before I left for church! I'm grateful for bagels! I'm grateful for wonderful teachers who have prepared lessons and studied the materials and willing to teach others! Grateful for other perspectives and others' insights!

Day 4

I'm grateful that my kids slept through the night, although they got up super early.  I am grateful for family time and the ability to go out and do activities together. I'm grateful for free public libraries and for Storyville!  I'm grateful for books and the love children have for reading and learning.  I'm grateful for Alex for watching Bri while I took a nap! I'm grateful for left overs! I am grateful for warm clothes and a car! I'm grateful for the opportunity to get ready for church (aka pack the kids bags and snacks and books).  I'm excited and grateful for friends that I grew up with, remembering me and inviting me to a party tonight!  I'm grateful for cute little smiles and watching my little B and G dancing :) 

Day 3

I'm grateful for the blessing of eternal families.  My granny passed away a few years ago today and it's really hard.  I really miss her but I know that I will see her again! I am very grateful for her example to me and for her love!  I know she is in heaven watching over us!  I am grateful for visiting teaching and for a great companion!  I am grateful for Jesus Christ's example to me! I am grateful for jelly beans and for sweet snuggles from both kiddos--Bri and Gavin! Grateful for wonderful friends in the ward and for a fun Hot Chocolate Party hosted by the great McDavitts!

Day 2

I'm grateful for the ability to make fun and delicious recipes like Cafe Rio Salad dinners.  I am grateful for visiting teachers and the visiting teaching program.  I know it is inspired by God and that it is truly the work of angels as we minister and teach each other.  I am grateful for my mom who is willing to help out with the kids every day.  I am very grateful for naptime for the kids, and whenever I can sneak a nap in.  I am grateful for running water and the ability to cook safely and sanitary.  I am grateful for SERVICE the opportunity to serve and to be served!

Day 1

I am so grateful for my family. I am grateful for having a warm house, a functional and reliable car, a full pantry of food, a good night's rest, and plenty of clothes to wear.  I am grateful for friends who are supportive and caring and willing to listen and talk.  I am grateful for television.

The Beginning

After yesterday’s group, I was inspired to start a new blog Holly’s Gratitude Project.  I had a blog in which each day, I wrote down some of my blessings that day.  Couldn’t find that one so I created a new one with the following address: hollysgratitudeproject.com

Why start this? What’s the point? Why now?

We talked a lot about trials and remaining steadfast by making the gospel of Christ the center of our lives and have it be our deepest root.  President Monson said a story about a wonderful faithful man Brother Brems who lost his wife and 2 of his children.  He was 105 years old when President Monson got a call from one of his granddaughters.  Brother Brems “could no longer see.  He could no longer hear.  He was confined night and day to a small room in a care center.  And yet the smile on his face and the words he spoke touched by heart.  ‘Thank you,’ he said.  ‘My Heavenly Father has been so good to me.’”

Brother Brems didn’t dwell on what he didn’t have or was lacking like missing his wife, or not being able to hear or see.  He focused on his many blessings and expressed gratitude often for those blessings.

President Spencer W. Kimball described that process of inspired writing: “Those who keep a book of remembrance are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives. Journals are a way of counting our blessings and of leaving an inventory of these blessings for our posterity.” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982, p. 349.)

My hope is that not only do I increase my awareness of the many blessings that I experience each day but help to improve my remembrance of my Savior and my Heavenly Father.  I know they have their hands in my life and I want to be more observant of those things.  I know that with gratitude, I focus on what I have been given.  There’s plenty of research out there proving that people are happier, more productive, healthier, and more resilient as they give thanks.