I love my new Kindle!

I am so glad I know how to read because I love to read almost anything. Well, I'd probably skip a book on nuclear physics. But I love to learn. Recently I had an unexpected paycheck and since they have been few of late, I decided to give myself something for all of my hard work.

I already have my scriptures on it. I want to add the hymns. And I have at least a half dozen free titles I've found. Hooray. No more stacks of books laying everywhere. Unless I can't get it on a Kindle. I am excited to take it with me on trips, instead of a big heavy bag. I just need to finish up the hardback titles I am reading, and then watch out.

I am thankful for this new technology. Ok, it's not that new, but it's new to me. :-)

Thank you soldier

I haven't known any soldiers personally since my big brother served as a Marine. He was in during a time of relative peace in the mid 80s. I am so grateful that there was only one time in his years of service, that I worried about him.

We now have a young friend in the Army. He is The Beast's friend from High School. And he is serving in Afghanistan. I don't like thinking of him there. And I am sure his family likes it even less. But, we do think of him often, and we pray for him often, because he is special.

(I don't have a good picture of him...David?)

I know every family and true friend feels that way about "our" soldiers. Individually and collectively. Our hearts go out to our soldiers who are in harm's way, to their families, that live through the stress of deployment in dangerous situations, and to all who have lost someone who has sacrificed in such a selfless way. Happy Memorial Day. We remember and we honor those who are still in the service of their country and fellow man.

Thank you for your service big brother. And thank you for your service David.

Thankful for holidays

I'm so thankful for holidays. We started ours Friday by checking on Bret's grandma's grave to make sure some dead flowers were removed. Saturday we spent time on home improvement and time with family. Today we went to church and had time with family and tonight time with some friends. Tomorrow is time to remember, those who have sacrificed and loved ones who have gone before. And more time with family. All the visiting is what I like best. I just love sharing time and laughing. I love that holidays bring a break from the routine and lots of happiness vibes. If you are able to have the  day off tomorrow, remember the dead, and cherish the living. It's the best way to honor those who are no longer with us anyway.

Oh how I love A/C!!!!!!

I have often said if I had to choose my favorite invention, it would be a/c. I dream of meeting the man/men/women/people/person who invented it. I am going to walk right up to him in heaven (because I am pretty sure the inventor could not go to hell or it would not be hot there) and give him a great big hug.

Since I live in Arizona, I often feel as if I'd rather be that nice cool polar bear on a nice little ice berg cooling off. The hot weather has been late in coming for the second year in a row. Hallelujah. I did not complain one bit about that. But alas, it is finally here. We have not gone over 100 yet, but today was close. We are in the 90s now, but it looks like Memorial Day will be perfect.

Anyway, our a/c went out in half the house 5 summers ago. We bought a room a/c for our family room. The living room is usually cool because it is under the porch, the kitchen is next to the dining room which has a/c, and only one bedroom upstairs is affected. So, we've limped along that way. We decided to give the portable room one to the girls and get a new window unit for the family room. The Bish installed it today.

"Oh joy! Rapture!" (25 points if you can name that movie, haha). That room even with the portable has been all but awful. The former one barely took the edge off. And there was a tube coming from it that you attach to the window that generated almost as much heat as we were trying to get rid of! Not this new unit! Within minutes, we knew we had a keeper. Oh so happy. I am cool as a polar bear on an ice berg. :-)

Now I simply go back to my Summer mode. Be the turtle. I stick my head out for mail, groceries, and church. And try to avoid going outdoor for almost everything else. How can I say this without complaining? I LOVE cool weather and 4 seasons! Now just say the opposite and that is what I mean to say.

Today, I am thankful for air conditioning. And I just googled it. Thank you Willis Carrier.

I am thankful for temples

And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the flaw, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.

The temple is the most peaceful place on earth that I have ever been to. I am so thankful for the opportunity to feel peace in my life in the house of the Lord.

Thanks for kindness/encouragement--Pass it on!

This is my aunt E. Ok, she's my dad's cousin, so she's really my first cousin once removed, but who says that? I call her Aunt Ellen. Isn't she gorgeous? She said something extremely kind about me today and it really made my day. I wish life allowed more time for me to know her better. (My friend Amy also thanked me for something I shared and shared it with others) I decided since Aunt E said something kind about me and I got encouragement from it, that I would do the same for someone else. Kind of a pay it forward idea, with simple words.

Will you join me? If you read this post, please find someone to express sincere kindness or encouragement to. Maybe it's your spouse. Maybe your mother, a sister, or your own child. Maybe it's a friend or coworker. Maybe it's your pastor, or his family. Maybe it's a volunteer in the community, a postal worker, a soldier, a teacher. Choose someone. Or several people, and make their day.

Chances are when you do, you'll feel a little better about yourself too. Thanks Aunt Ellen. I hope your little kindness to me today, creates a wave of kindness in the world. Love ya.

Spring!

I am thankful for things that grow in the Spring. I'm thankful for Hollyhocks. Mine are starting to bloom. I can't wait until they all show their faces. :-)