96. Today I am grateful for this Gratitude ad:

95.Today I am grateful for a little Christmas tree

It seems that Christmas is in full swing now and everywhere I look I see beautiful Christmas trees. I really wanted a Christmas tree but didn’t want to spend a lot of money on one. I also only have a few ornaments so if I bought a big tree I would need to buy more ornaments too. Well, I went to the dollar store today and bought a little tree for a dollar. I then went to Michael’s and bought a little star to put on top. I took it home and decorated it and put some ribbon around it. I love my little Christmas tree!     

94. Today I am grateful for a 2012 Day Timer

My job requires doing a lot of different things including meetings and home visits so a day timer is defiantly a requirement. The organization purchased day timers for us this past week which I am grateful for! I am also grateful that this new day timer will help me to stay organized and on top of things for 2012. I should also add that because I started in August, for this year I got a notebook and wrote out each day on a page and made a homemade day timer so I am also grateful that I don’t have to do that again.

93. Today I am grateful for Prayer

I am grateful for prayer and the ability it gives me to communicate with my Heavenly Father.

92. Today I am grateful for a second Thanksgiving

I have a roommate from the USA and so we celebrated American Thanksgiving today. Although it was really this past Thursday, she had classes late and so we celebrated today. It was great to have some friends come over and eat delicious food. Who can say no to more turkey and good food?

91. Today I am grateful for Christmas movies

I have started getting into the Christmas spirit, I love Christmas time! One of the things I love is Christmas movies, funny one, touching ones and ones that share what Christmas is all about. Tonight I watched ‘Elf’ with my roommates. I think Elf is one of the funniest movies ever and ones of those movies that you can quote often. My favourite is: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”  

90. Today I am grateful for contact lenses

Yesterday I wrote about my gratitude for eye-glasses, well I am even more grateful for contact lenses. I also think it’s even cooler how contact lenses are made and sit right on your eyes to give you perfect vision. It is more of a luxury then glasses are but do make some things a bit easier, like applying eye makeup and wearing sun glasses. I also find them more comfortable, well maybe except for late at night when my eyes start feeling really dry.

89. Today I am grateful for eye-glasses

I’m pretty blind and so I rely on my glasses or contacts to see. I mostly wear contacts during the day but sometimes it’s nice to get a break from contacts and wear my glasses. I worked for an optical store for 3 years while I was at the University and have experience with various types of lenses and watching them be edged. However, I still think it’s really cool how glass and plastic can be used to help people see.

88. Today I am grateful for being wrapped up in a blanket fresh from the dryer

Right now I am wrapped up in a blanket that I just took out of the dryer and it feels so good! A great feeling of comfort and warmth.

87. Today I am grateful for people who know stuff about cars

I don’t really know much about cars so I am grateful for people who do. Yesterday my roommate noticed that my tires were low so she checked the tire pressure and they were really dangerously low. I learned that cold air compresses tires; therefore, changing the tire pressure. Today we went to the gas station to fill the tires up. My roommate was showing me how to fill the tires up with air and check the tire pressure. During our “lesson” we had two guys ask us if we needed help. I also learned that if you look like you don’t know what you’re doing some guy will help you. I can give people the opportunity to serve me. J Although, my roommate also pointed out that sometimes they are guys you might not want helping you.  

The fact that the tire pressure was so low likely contributed to my issues with driving home on Monday. However, I do have winter tires ordered. My Dad (who is a general manger for a major trucking company) was able to work out a good deal for me from a tire company. I am grateful for that too.  

86. Today I am grateful for “Today”

I was thinking today about what I might write about and a few things came to mind but then I went on the LDS.org website and read an article about talks given by Elder Hales on gratitude. This article included parts of his talks given during a general conference address in 1992 as well as this past General conference in October. It was a really powerful talk about the importance of expressing gratitude to our Heavenly Father and to others.

I think part of writing in this blog and challenging myself to recognize daily specific blessings in my life is to also recognize the importance of gratitude. During my Thanksgiving entry I took some time to reflect on my experience with expressing gratitude daily and I think that is something that is important to do on an ongoing basis.

One of the things Elder Hales said is “Gratitude brings a peace that helps us overcome the pain of adversity and failure. Gratitude on a daily basis means we express appreciation for what we have now without qualification for what we had in the past or desire in the future.”  I like what he said about having gratitude for what we have now. I don’t often dwell on negative past experiences but I do often think about and worry that some of my desires for the future may not be fulfilled, as I wrote about in my first entry. While I will not give up on those goals and will strive to do what I can to achieve what I desire most in this life, I do also recognize the many blessings that I do have. I am grateful for where I am today, for what I have and I am happy with who I am.

As I reflect on my blog entries I realized that I have started each entry with “Today I am grateful ...” That phrase now has more meaning for me as I continue to write in this blog.

 

85. Today I am grateful for my duvet

I woke up early yesterday morning freezing and thinking to myself that I needed to get some more blankets. Then I remembered that I had a duvet so I got up and dug it out and then I was warm! I am grateful for my duvet to keep me warm on cold nights. J

84. Today I am grateful for Children

November 20 is National Child Day in Canada but I was able to participate in celebrations for this day at work today. It was really fun doing a play for the children and singing songs. I am grateful for the joy that children bring into my life. I am grateful for their meekness, humility and innocence. I am grateful for the cute things that they say and do and the fact that they are cute. It is important that adults nurture the children in their lives and let them be children but at the same time guide them in growing into future leaders and caregivers.

Children have rights but are not able to ensure that those rights are followed through. It is therefore important that adults ensure that children’s rights are protected and that their needs are met. National child day also recognizes the rights of children. Click on the link to read about what those rights are. You can also download a colouring book for your children that helps them to know what their rights are (in terms they can understand).

Here are my favourite children:

I don’t see them nearly as often as I would like but I love every opportunity I have to spend time with them and to talk to them over the phone or through the computer. We actually have a lot in common. J

Who are the special children in your life?   

83. Today I am grateful for "All Christmas music" radio stations

I love Christmas music and I love radio stations that play continuous Christmas music during the Christmas season. Edmonton’s Lite 95.7 started playing continuous Christmas music this past weekend. Some people may think it’s too early but I think it’s great for bringing out the Christmas spirit.

82. Today I am grateful for a flight home for Christmas

I recently booked a flight to Salt Lake to spend some time with my twin sister and her family during the Christmas holidays. I got a pretty good deal flying from Seattle. I am really excited about seeing my sister and nieces and hopefully meet my nephew who is due to be born on Dec. 29. I will be spending New Years with them so I am planning on banging on some pots and pans with my nieces. I am also excited to be spending Christmas with the rest of my family in BC. I was hesitant to book a flight right now because it was crazy expensive, over $300 for a one-way flight to Vancouver on Dec. 23! It’s a one hour flight!  I was definitely going home for Christmas, it was just a matter of deciding whether to book a flight or hope the prices go down. However, I got a message from my Dad saying that he and my mom decided to use some avion points to fly me home for Christmas. I am really grateful that they wanted to help me out and also that they want me to come home. J

Thanks Mom & Dad!

81. Today I am grateful for a snow brush

There were a few things left behind at our house by the people who lived here before and one of them was a snow brush so I decided to use it. The scarper part worked great but the brush didn’t work at all. My roommate came home last night and told me she bought me something. It was a snow brush and not just any snow brush but a pink one! She said she though of me when saw it and insisted that it was a gift, which I thought was really nice of her. Especially after the evening she had where a normal 5 minute drive turned into 3 hours of trying to get home in the snow storm.

This same roommate also took my car into a tire place today to see about getting winter tires for it; however nothing is in-stock and will take at least a week. Apparently there are only a few different types of winter tires that my car can use and they are also quite expensive. I have a few people looking into tires and prices for me. I just feel like I will feel more confident driving with winter tires so hopefully everything will be ok until then.

I am very grateful for the gift and her willingness to help me!

80. Today I am grateful for making it home safely

Today was the first major snowfall which came this afternoon. I am from the Vancouver area and so winter driving is foreign to me. Sure, we would get big snowfalls every now and then and icy roads, but like many Vancouverites, I didn’t drive then. Up to now I had always taken the bus or rode with experienced winter drivers. Now I have to experience winter driving and I will say that driving home today was pretty scary. I learned that snow and mud tires are not good on ice and so I will be looking at getting real snow tires. Although, I am assuming there will be a mad dash for winter tires this week.  I also learned that my breaks work great, so that’s good! Driving home today I prayed the whole way that I would get home safely without hitting anything (I was sliding a lot) and I did. I know that Heavenly Father was watching over me but I also believe that he expects me to help keep myself and others safe which includes getting tires made for icy conditions.

79. Today I am grateful for the baptismal covenant

Melissa, Dad, Sara-Jayne
November 11, 1990

On November 11, I wrote about remembering the sacrifices the soldiers made for their country during times of war. November 11 is also an important date to me personally as it was the day I was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I was eight years old. When I was baptized I took upon myself the name of Christ and promised to always remember him. This act of remembrance is even more important than remembering the sacrifices of the soldiers. Christ sacrificed himself for the world.

Last night I was sorting through a couple of boxes I still had to unpack and I found a printout of this quote by President George Q. Cannon:

“When we went forth into the waters of baptism and covenanted with our Father in Heaven to serve Him and keep His commandments, He bound Himself also by covenant to us that He would never desert us, never leave us to ourselves, never forget us, that in the midst of trials and hardships, when everything was arrayed against us, He would be near unto us and would sustain us. That was His covenant.”

I am grateful for the baptismal covenant and to know that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me. I know that I am never alone. I am also grateful for the example of Jesus Christ who showed us the way and provided a way for us to return to live with our Father in Heaven.

78. Today I am grateful for the first snowfall

I woke up this morning to a dusting of snow on the rooftops. Although, summer is my favourite season, I really like the transitions between the seasons and I love the first snowfall. There is something romantic and magical about snow. I feel like the Christmas season should start today!

Ask me again, how I feel about the snow in January ... hahaha.  

77. Today I am grateful for those who fought for our freedom

Harry Johnson, WWI

Today at 11:00 many people paused for two minutes of silence to remember those who have fought to keep our country free. I went to a Remembrance Day ceremony today at the University of Alberta and behind me sat two young children with their grandparents who they talked to them a bit about Remembrance Day and what it meant. The little boy started talking about soldiers and said “Soldiers are people who go to war because they care about their country. Some of them come back and some of them don’t”. I thought that was pretty profound coming from a child who was probably about 5 or 6. I also appreciated that these grandparents where teaching their grandchildren the importance of remembering.   

On Remembrance Day there are two soldiers that I like to take the time to remember: My Grandpa Harry George Arthur Johnson and Great Grandfather Harry Johnson.

Harry G.A. Johnson, WWII

Great Grandpa Harry was born June 25, 1873 in Binfield, Berkshire, England and later moved to Fulham in London. He   served in the First World War with the 1^st battalion of the Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment). During his service he became terminally ill and was sent home where he died on April 7, 1917. He is buried in the Fulham old cemetery among the other casualties of the First World War. He left behind a wife and six children, ranging in ages from 7 months old to 14 years old.

Grandpa Harry was born April 16, 1906 in Fulham, London, England. I recently found the ship record that shows that he immigrated to Canada when he was 18 years old. He landed in Halifax and lived in several parts of Canada before settling in Vancouver. When the Second World War broke out, like his father, Harry Jr. also answered the call to serve his country. Grandpa Harry served with the 10th Field Squadron Royal Canadian Engineers. I have his war medals that were given to me by one of my uncles which is a pretty cool heirloom to be in possession of.  I was 6 years old when my Grandpa Harry died but I do have fond memories of him which I am grateful for.

Grave site of Harry Johnson
Fulham, London, England

My Grandpa wanted to be cremated and have his ashes spread across his father’s grave site. My uncle fulfilled his request and took his remains to England. In 2001, I went to London, England with my dad and we visited Great Grandpa Harry’s grave site. In memory of My Grandpa and his service with the Canadian army we placed a small Canadian flag at the grave site.

 I am grateful for the service given by my grandpa and Great Grandpa and hope to pass on their stories to future generations.

Is there anyone in particular that you remember on Remembrance Day? What is their story?

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning
  We will remember them.”

(For The Fallen, Laurence Binyon)

76. Today I am grateful for little surprises

I got into work this morning to find a pretty mug and package of apple cider on my desk. Little things like that do help you to feel appreciated, especially when it is not expected.

75. Today I am grateful for dental & health benefits

I have now passed the 3 month mark at my job and received information about the benefits package. There isn’t anything I immediately need but it is reassuring to have benefits.

74. Today I am grateful for gloves to keep my hands warm

I have only had to wear a hat and scarf a few times this fall but my hands get cold easily. Therefore, I am grateful for gloves to keep my hands warm.

73. Today I am grateful for Hymns

As part of my scripture study I like to listen to a hymn and then read the corresponding scriptures that are listed in the hymn book. I love the spirit that is felt by the hymns. Music can have a powerful influence on the lives of individuals, for good and bad. I am grateful for good music, particularly hymns. Hymns have the power to comfort in times of need, help us to feel spiritually uplifted and increase our understanding of gospel doctrines and principles.  

72. Today I am grateful for an extra hour of sleep

Early this morning Day Lights Savings Time ended and the clocks were moved back an hour. I heard of a few people who stayed up to watch the time change from 2am to 1am. I guess it would be kind of neat, like waiting for midnight Jan. 1 for a new year to start. Well, maybe not quite. However, I defiantly took advantage of sleeping in a bit by going to bed early and getting the extra hour of sleep. In fact, I slept in longer than expected. I like to wake up early on Sunday so I had set my alarm for what I had thought was 7:30 but really I had set it for 8:30. However, having gotten used to waking up in the dark, I ended up waking up at 8 because the sun was shining through my bedroom window.

71. Today I am grateful for The New Family Search program

It seems that many genealogy websites have been striving to create a “world pedigree”, a family tree linking the world together. The site that comes closest to this is The New.Familysearch website. It is really cool, I could write a lot about it but I would recommend for everyone to check it out for themselves and register. I have had and continue to have success with this program and I love it.

Several years ago I was a stake family history consultant and attended a meeting where this program was first introduced. A lot of work and planning went into this program as well as lots of beta testing. It combines various genealogical records and resources so there are often duplicate records for each person. I spent over a year (a few hours a week) combining duplicate records and adding/correcting information between this program and my database. It was time consuming but worth it. For those who think there is no genealogical work for them to do, combing duplicate records would be a worthwhile project to take on. You just might find distant relatives and an ancestor or two as well.  

70. Today I am grateful for the Poppy

In the 2 weeks leading up to Remembrance Day poppies are sold in Canada and throughout the Commonwealth. It is worn to remember the soldiers who died during the wars. I learned today that this year marks 90 years of poppies being distributed in Canada. I think it is important at this time to remember the sacrifices made by soldiers so that we can enjoy the freedom we live today.

69. Today I am grateful for my car

As the mornings get a bit cooler, I am grateful to have a car to drive to work rather than waiting for the bus in the cold. It also makes grocery shopping a lot easier. I am also grateful that my mom got a new car for her birthday so that I could buy her older car. Meaning I got a pretty good deal and trusted the people I bought it from. I am a bit nervous though for winter driving as I never experienced true winter driving in BC. If I can make it through the winter with me and my car in one piece, that will be another thing to be grateful for.

68. Today I am grateful for making it to November without any snow

One thing I have come to learn about Edmonton is that the winters are harsh. Part way through the winter I begin feeling as though I am living inside a snow globe. I usually like the snow for about 2 weeks and then I am ready for it to go away, not the 6 months it can last for. However, I do like the first snowfall.  I was born in Calgary and lived there for six years before moving to the Vancouver area and I remember going trick-or-treating in the snow. In fact, my first Halloween in Surrey I remember telling my dad that it can’t be Halloween because there was no snow. My dad, who grew up in Vancouver then explained “It doesn’t snow here on Halloween”. Well, this year Edmonton also enjoyed a snow-free Halloween. In fact we enjoyed a snow free October and beautiful weather. Listening to the radio this morning it was mentioned that the last time it did not snow in October was in 1963. I enjoy being part of the new statistic.

67.Today I am grateful for relatives in Edmonton

I moved out to Edmonton 5 years ago for school. While there were a few people I knew out here I didn’t have any family in Edmonton. My first year here I went home for the summer and during that summer I got an email from someone who had found some family history info I had posted on a website. He explained that he too was related to this family. He then mentioned that he had recently moved to Edmonton from England. I excitedly wrote back confirming that we were indeed 3^rd cousins once removed and mentioned that I too had recently moved to Edmonton. I met with him, his wife and daughter and instantly they welcomed me as a part of their family. He shared that he believes that no matter how distantly related, family is family. Although, when you have spent so much time researching your family history and corresponding with distant relatives, 3^rd cousins is actually pretty close.

In the past few years they have invited me over for dinner several times so I decide that it was about time that I made dinner for them. I am grateful for the opportunity that we had to enjoy dinner together today. For the times we have enjoyed in the past and the times we will continue to enjoy. It’s great to have wonderful friends in Edmonton but it is also nice to have relatives in the city as well.