Thankful Me

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Ten Things of Thankful: On Palm Sunday Edition

John and I stand outside the Lindon Temple When my kids were little, I baked muffins frequently. I had that recipe memorized and could whip up a batch in no time. Now that I'm an empty-nester, I don't even remember the last time I baked muffins, let alone remembered the recipe. I almost feel that way about blogging; I've been so sporatic of late that it seems a much bigger job than it really is to sit down and compose a post--and don't even get me started about the hassle of getting photos off my phone and onto my computer! (Why my devices aren't playing nicely with each other I really don't understand. Fortunately, I do remember my workaround.) However, I actually do enjoy blogging even if I haven't been making time for it of late, and how could I not think of things I'm thankful for on Palm Sunday? So, here I am! Since my last TToT post, I've taken a weekend trip to visit my sister, gone on a cruise to the Caribbean and Central America with John...

Ten Things of Thankful: Groundhog Day All Over Again

The full moon, with a halo, in the sky above the Mt. Timpanogos Temple early in the morning on February 2, 2026 With a few (notable) exceptions here and there, I've been reliving Groundhog Day over and over again this month. John's parents have moved out of their house and in with his sister, so John and I have spent nearly every day since February 2nd at his parents' house: sorting, packing, and cleaning. Each of his siblings is contributing in their own way, and this is the best way for us to help right now. We're happy to be doing it, though it has been a long time since we have experienced this level of routine to our days. 1. I'm thankful for John's parents. We see evidence of their kindness and love of family all over their home. 2. I'm thankful for John's siblings. Everyone has their own responsibilities and challenges, yet all are willing to do what they can for their parents. 3. I'm thankful (for many reasons) for our son and his girlf...

Ten Things of Thankful: Two Weeks, Six States Edition

A puzzle of the United States of America The past two weeks have been busy. We drove from Oregon to Utah (staying overnight at the halfway point in Boise, Idaho.) After one restful night at home, we drove to California (passing through the tiniest corner of Arizona and then Nevada). After a couple of nights there, we returned to Utah. I get to be home for a week before I fly out to Oregon next weekend. It's all good, though. I'm thankful: 1. My mom's recovery continues to go well. Next weekend's visit is a planned-before-her-injury family reunion: just my parents, siblings, and myself. It should be lots of fun! I should be reading the Scrabble dictionary in preparation, because I know there will be at least one game. Scrabble tiles (A, O, I, F, E, blank, E) on the rack. I was wishing that first names were valid Scrabble words, and sent this photo to my friend who has a daughter named Aoife. 2. The weather in Oregon, unlike the first January visit, was sunny and dry....

Ten Things of Thankful: Catching Up on Things at Home

Photo of a business center in a hotel. A white electrical cord is plugged into the wall, and the cord disappears underneath the carpet. John noticed this while we ate breakfast this morning. We returned home to Utah at the end of last week, took care of some things at home, then came back to Oregon to assist my parents when my mom was released from the hospital. She is doing great--moving around easier and faster than she was even a week ago. 1. I'm thankful for safe travels. With the exception of some icy and foggy patches in eastern Oregon, roads have been clear. 2. I'm thankful for reliable transportation. We got back to Utah just in time for the final "covered with the purchase of the car" service appointment. Nice to have that done, even if the next oil change is on us. 3. I'm thankful for parents. We took John's parents for a drive out to Antelope Island, and although we didn't see the resident bison herd this time--(were you expecting me to say...

Ten Things of Thankful: Dancing Through Limbo-Land

A red sign with white lettering that reads, "YOU ARE HERE" sits in a window in Southampton, England Last year, John and I traveled--a lot. Sometimes, it took a minute to remember exactly where I was. (The sign above was oh, so helpful!) This year, we haven't made future travel plans. We find ourselves in the stage of life where we see the possibility of generations above and below us needing more of our attention. So, we are dancing our way through limbo-land; being present in the moment while thinking ahead of things that might make the future easier. 1. I'm thankful we took last year to do so much traveling. It was a bit of a whirlwind. Even though I love seeing new places, I'm also a homebody by nature. I have no regrets about saying "yes" to so many vacations. No matter what the future holds, we made those memories together. 2. I'm thankful that while a new year can signify a new start, a new moment can, too. So what if I didn't consisten...

Ten Things of Thankful: Putting One Foot in Front of Another

A Gentoo penguin plods along the beach in the Falkland Islands in December 2024 Sometimes when I sit down to write a Ten Things of Thankful post, a theme clearly develops as I reflect upon the past week. Other times, like today, nothing in particular comes to mind as far as a theme goes, but yet there has been lots to be thankful for. This week, I'm thankful: 1. for a neighborhood ornament exchange. I've managed to miss it every year we've been here, for one reason or another, but this year I finally went. It was fun to chat and laugh with neighbors. 2. for the temple. It offers such a spirit of peace. 3. for game night. About once a week, we get together with youngest son and his girlfriend for dinner and game night. It's always good to laugh and talk together. 4. for the church women's organization. We had our Christmas party on Thursday night, and (OK, maybe there is a theme developing) it was good to laugh and visit together. 5. for talented performers. We w...