Wisdom

 I need to let this quote sink into my mind and heart.

Earl

  Years ago we turned our garage into a large TV/family room. We still call it the New Room even though it is probably about twelve years old now. Then Gary divided our really small family room into a bedroom and a toy area. Since we only have two kids living here full time that little bedroom is now an office of sorts for Gary and I. Gary uses his half to work on family history. We call the room Earl after one of my ancestors, Earl Teagarden,who compiled several books of family research. I use my half to keep our family somewhat organized, I read and write in my journal there and have high hopes to finish the kids scrapbooks this year. I love the quiet in the Earl. On one wall we have hanging five generations of my family. Here is a small glimpse of what I see from my desk:

Saturday

  I am so GRATEFUL today is Saturday. I need a day to catch up on some deep cleaning. And menu planning and grocery shopping. And Hallmark channel watching. I love Saturdays more as a busy mom than I ever did as a teenager!

This sums it up.

   I am finding as I get older I worry more. And am more pessimistic. I know that isn't emotionally or spiritually healthy. Although to be fair, most of what I worry about never happens!! So it must work!! Just kidding.....kind of. Anyway, today I am grateful for this quote I found on a blog I read daily. I think I need to give credit to her for the artwork. Her name is Alexa Zurcher, her blog is awesome! And here it is:

Sorry.

 I am grateful for my faith. And that I have been taught and believe in the power of the Savior's atonement. Because I am a pretty awful person. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by my smallness of soul. I don't want to be like that, and so I turn to the Lord. He can help me become better. And I am more grateful than mere words can begin to express.

My Job.

   I am a substitute teacher. In our little district, well little in population, not geographical size, you don't need a teaching certificate to sub. When Brigham, my youngest, started first grade I got myself fingerprinted, found out I did indeed have a clear record and began my substitute teaching career. And I LOVE it. Junior high and high school are definitely my strong points. I just love to be around teenagers. The "good" ones and the more naughty ones. I have subbed in band, PE, weight training, life skills, the shop, I think I have subbed in every class there is. It is so fun to be able to be with the kids and enjoy their energy and personalities. Today I subbed in the junior high girls PE classes. It was exhausting, and as usual just a ton of fun! 

  I am grateful for the opportunity to earn a bit of money while spending time with amazing youth.

America!!

  I wish I had the energy to wax poetic on the greatness and wonder that is our country. I love America. I love the freedoms we enjoy, and I think take for granted. Today we got to vote. I am an election worker. It is tiring in a sitting for 13 hours in one room kind of way. But I am honored to get to take part in some small way in the democracy. 

  I am grateful to be an American.