158. Today I am grateful that the weather forcast was wrong

The weather forecast predicted cold temperatures today but instead we had abnormally warm weather. In fact Environment Canada issued an apology for predicting colder than normal temperatures for this winter when it has been one of the mildest on record, despite a few freezing cold days here and there. That`s ok, we forgive you. J

157. Today I am grateful for a soup exchange

Earlier this month a few coworkers and I decided to have a soup exchange which we had today. Each or us made a pot of soup and placed into four containers to share with the others in the group. Now I have four containers of delicious soup, including a few containers of the Sweet potato and butternut squash soup I made as I went a bit overboard. I think it`s a great (and healthier) alternative to the traditional cookie and square exchange. I am looking forward to yummy bowls of warm soup to enjoy over the winter.

156. Today I am grateful to be Canadian

I saved the best for last! J I am grateful to be Canadian! I love being Canadian and everything that being Canadian stands for! I love that we are seen worldwide as a country of peacemakers. I also love the diversity that we have in Canada, it is truly part of the promised land of the America`s. My Mom, Grandpa and a set of 2^nd Great grandparents and a 3^rd great grandmother saw Canada as a land of opportunity and I am grateful for that as it became the country of my birth and the land that I love.

 I love seeing Canada`s flag wave and hearing our national anthem! ``God Keep our land Glorious and Free``!

155. Today I am grateful to be German

I love the fact that I am exactly half British and half German, with both grandmothers of German descent and both grandfathers were British. However, it feels a little strange to say that I am grateful to be German or proud of my German ancestry because of Germany’s role in the world wars ... but I am grateful to be German and proud of my German ancestors. My grandma has often talked about her father’s hatred for Hitler, how her brother refused to fight and was put into a consecration camp, and that her boyfriend at the time did fight and was killed. It was not a good time in history to be German as German’s in North America, such as my other grandmother’s family, also endured persecution so they mainly kept to themselves in their secluded communities. However, some, including my Great Grandmother’s husband, fought in the war on Canada’s side.

I am grateful to see Germany become tough on hate crimes and to see forgiveness among countries that have seen much turmoil. I love to see friendships develop between Germans and Polish, Ukrainians, etc. My grandma also told me how her sister’s daughter went missing when the family was forced to leave their home as Poland had claimed the land. Sometime later her sister returned to the home to look for her daughter and found that she was being cared for by a Polish family. Great love and friendship developed between them. I love inspirational stories like that!

I am also grateful to have Germany to cheer for during the Olympics and world Football tournaments when Canada is not competing.

154. Today I am grateful to be Irish

Continuing with the theme of being grateful for the various ethnicities that make up who I am, I am also grateful to be Irish. My 3^rd Great Grandparents Robert Burrows and Margaret Henderson were both born in Ireland and came to Scotland with their families. Both came from Co. Tyrone, part of present day Northern Ireland. So far my genealogy research ends at both of their parents who were also born in Ireland. However, I think that with the exception of one ancestor, the others families somewhere back came to Ireland from either Scotland or England. However, I will claim the Irish heritage, particularly on St. Patrick’s Day. When I see the colour green, clovers and rainbows, I think of Ireland. When I hear of leprechauns or a pot of gold I think of Ireland. I hope to learn more about my ancestry in Ireland and would love to visit someday!

153. Today I am grateful to be English

My last name, Johnson, is English so I also identify strongly with my English heritage. In 2001 my whole family travelled to Britain which was a really fun trip! Everyone flew to Glasgow except for me and my Dad; we flew to London and spent a few days there before taking the train up to Dumbarton. It was fun to see all the world famous sites such as Buckingham palace, the tower of London and the London Bridge.

However my favourite was driving through the countryside on our way to Binfield in Berkshire which is the village where my Johnson ancestors come from. It did seem like I was stepping back in time, especially when I went to the little Old Saints Church that my ancestors attended, where their babies were baptized, where they married and where a few are buried including my 3^rd and 4^th great grandparents. It’s one thing to see names, dates and places on a microfilm or a piece of paper but a whole new experience to stand where those events took place. I was also able to see the grave of my great grandfather who died during the first World War and where my grandpa's ashes were laid. I am especially grateful for these experiences. It was also wonderful to meet a great aunt and one of my Dad’s cousins.

What are some English things I love? I’ll say British candy again ....Jelly babies, galaxy chocolate, Mr. Kipling cakes ... sooooo good! I also love HP sauce and Yorkshire pudding; those are the “English items” I grew up with. I am also really excited for the London Olympics this summer!

During the hoopla of the recent royal wedding I thought it would be neat to trace my connection to the Queen. As far as I can tell, Queen Elizabeth is the 10^th cousin 12 times removed of the husband of my 1^stcousin 14 times removed. Therefore, there is no blood relation.

Britain's National anthem: God Save the Queen:

152. Today I am grateful to be Scottish

Today is Robbie Burns’s day which celebrates the birth of the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns. One of the most well known is Auld Lang Syne. Typically the traditional “Burns supper” consists of haggis and alcohol, both things that I have no intention of ever trying. It’s also an evening to celebrate Scottish traditions for those in Scotland and abroad.

I thought it would be a good idea to also share my gratitude for each of my ethnicities. Growing up I feel that I was most influenced by Scottish culture, likely because my mom is from Scotland. Here are some things I love about Scotland: Music (including the bagpipes, I especially love amazing grace that includes the bagpipes, I also love the Loch Lomond song), kilts, dancing, shortbread, I love British sweeties. I know there is more that I am missing. I am also grateful for the opportunities that I have had to go to Scotland (6 times, although I only remember going 4 of those times). It is interesting to note that I spent my 9th and 19th birthday in Scotland and went soon after my 29th birthday. I think that is a tradition that I should stay with.

I also love the beauty of Scotland!  The Highlands are one of those most beautiful places I have seen. There is so much history there and it is neat to know that some of my ancestors are part of that history.  

Click on the video below to listen to Scotlands unoffical National anthem, "Flower of Scotland":

151. Today I am grateful for Census mistakes

I am continuing to find more information about my ancestors and family members to add to my family history database; particularly in finding children of more distant relatives. The 1911 England census includes the number of children born to each woman and how many of those children have died, as well as the number of years married couple have been married. While it is useful to know that a family may have had more children than are listed, it still leaves one to find the names, birthdates and genders of those children. I am grateful today to find the names, gender and birth years of children, from one family, who had died listed on the census form. It seems the form was misread by the person filing the form out, likely the father or mother and the entries crossed out with a single line by the enumerator. However, I believe that it was not really a mistake but guided by divinity to ensure that this family will be sealed together as an eternal family prior to the millennium. 

150. Today I am grateful for each and every day

Sometimes there doesn't need to be a writeup of specific things to be grateful for. Through working on this project, I also love coming across motivational quotes and poster-type photo's that express gratitude.

This quote also reminded me of a statement made by Pres. Uchtdorf during last years Relief Society Broadcast:   

“The happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket; they are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments.”

149. Today I am grateful for the Sacrament

I am grateful that I have the opportunity to come to church and renew the covenants I made at baptism by partaking of the sacrament each week. As I eat a small piece of bread, symbolizing the body of Christ and a small cup of water, symbolizing His blood I take the time to remember that the Savior gave of himself for us and determine what I can do to become a better representative and disciple of Christ. I am also grateful for the quiet moments I have to reflect at this time.   

148. Today I am grateful for my 'baby blanket'

I have a  little quilt that I have had since I was a newborn baby. It is soft and pink and I sleep with it almost every night. It has been on many road trips and camping trips with me. In the summer time when it is warm sometimes it is the only blanket I sleep with and when it is winter and cold I love to wrap myself up in it.

147. Today I am grateful for the 1911 Census

The 1911 British Census is now available to search! I paid for some credits today with www.findyourpast.co.uk to see what I could find. My grandpa Harry is included in this census as a 5 year old boy living with his family in Fulham, England. I have also been successful in finding new bits of information. I am grateful for the technology that has allowed family history work to become so much more efficient than in times past. I am excited to see what I can find in the next few days.

146. Today I am grateful for a block heater

I can tell that it has been a cold week with my updates. As well that I am learning a lot about winter driving. My Dad lived in Edmonton for about a year back in his early 20s, which he often says was the worst year of his life. Hahaha. He said that one of the first things he noticed were that cars had plugs and place in parking lots to plug them in. He had no idea what they were for until winter came. He makes sure to tell me that story often. My car was originally bought in Edmonton by its first owner so it already has a block heater installed, which I am grateful for. Being that I know very little about car maintenance, anything that will keep my car running more efficiently is great.

145. Today I am grateful for Institute

Today was the first day of institute for the winter semester and a great time to reflect on how much I love the institute program. As a student I loved going to daytime institute classes in between my university courses. I found it to be a great way to balance secular learning with spiritual learning. Now that I work during the day I have enrolled in an evening course. I also love that I have an evening to look forward to each week to focus on gospel learning in a classroom setting. Sure, Sunday school gives that opportunity as well but I love having that mid week focus as well. Institute also provides an opportunity for socializing and getting to know people from other wards. One of the things I love about living in Edmonton in that the church has an Institute of Religion building.    

144. Today I am grateful that every car drives slow on Icy Roads

I have noticed that generally it seems that when the roads are really icy everyone drives really slowly, which I really appreciate.

143. Today I am grateful for the garage

On cold and snowy days like today, I am grateful that I am able to park my car in the garage. I am also grateful for my roommate who suggested that I have the garage to park in during the winter as I drive to work every day. It’s nice to be around considerate people.

142. Today I am grateful for Missionaries

I am grateful for missionaries and missionary work. In particular the ones who were influential in helping my family convert to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the missionaries who serve in my ward (now and in the past) and for the influence of friends and family members who have served missions. I am also grateful for all those who share the gospel with others, as well as the opportunities I have to share the gospel.

141. Today I am grateful for happily ever-after movies

For anyone who has seen my movie collection will know that it mainly consist of movies about princesses, love and happy endings. I love watching movies that make me feel happy at the end and with a desire to do what I can to make the world a better place.

140. Today I am grateful for Dancing

During youth dances I was one of those people standing along the wall watching people dance and thinking that could never be me. To dance so freely without thinking that you might look weird seemed unimaginable to me at the time. However towards the end of my time as a youth, entering into YSA I changed my point of view. I have come to realize that it’s fun to just dance the way you want and it is possible to not even wonder what people think of you.

139. Today I am grateful for University education

I am so grateful that I made the decision to go back to school and pursue a degree in something that I love and am passionate about. Not everyone who wants to has the opportunity to go to University which makes me even more grateful that I was able to. I am also very grateful that I was able to get a job in my field so soon after graduating. I really love my job!

138. Today I am grateful for Food storage

I love that The Church encourages its members to be prepared both spiritually and temporally. Part of the temporal preparedness includes building up a food storage. Many members strive to have a one year food storage but that is not always possible, but in the last couple of years or so there has been an emphasis on building up a 3 month food storage that consists of non perishable foods that are eaten often. I started building up my 3 month food storage about 2 years ago and now I have a complete 3 month food storage that is being rotated. I am grateful for the security that it brings, knowing that I will have a good supply of food if we do end up having a natural disaster. It has come in handy several times so far. Sometimes I will run out of something and can just go to my food storage without having to go to the store for one thing. I will just note the changes on my spread sheet and replace it at another time. I also love it when I find great deals and/or coupons on needed items!    

Check out the Provident Living website for more information on home storage and other ways of becoming self reliant.

137. Today I am grateful for the “It Snowed” song

There is a song that played on the radio often at Christmas time called “It Snowed” sung by Meaghan Smith. This song has become a household favourite for me and a roommate and every time “it snowed last night” we sing this song. I have a feeling that it will continue throughout the winter. It’s a pretty catchy song and just makes the fact that it snowed seem happier.

136. Today I am grateful for getting back to a daily routine

I love having time off and vacationing but there is also something great about getting up at the same time everyday and going to work and participating in other activities throughout the week.

135. Today I am grateful for a calling

The Sunday before I left for the Christmas holidays I was asked if I would accept a calling to serve as a family home evening group leader and today I was sustained and set apart to serve in that calling. I haven’t had a calling since September (when I moved into my current ward) and I really enjoy serving in the church so I am excited to have this calling. Also, a funny story: I told my roommate back in September that I thought it would be fun to be a Family Home Evening group leader and the next Sunday a few were called. Then every time I would mention a calling I was interested in having someone would be called to fill that position that Sunday. Although, it is funny that I ended up with the first one I suggested.

134. Today I am grateful for a friends’ wedding

Tonight I went to a wedding reception of a friend of mine. Actually, I am friends with both the guy and girl but more so the guy. He is from my stake in BC and we both moved out to Edmonton at the same time. I was really happy to see him marry such a great girl, and although he doesn’t remember, I actually told him that he should date her about a year before they did start dating.

133. Today I am grateful for my bed

I got back to Edmonton today and although I had a wonderful trip, there isn’t quite anything like sleeping in your own bed. I am not much of a napper but I did enjoy a nice nap in my own bed this afternoon.

132. Today I am grateful for my dad driving to and from Seattle

I am grateful for my Dad, who took time out of his day (twice) to drive me to the Seattle airport on Friday and then come back today to pick me up. Thanks Dad!

131. Today I am grateful for the innocence of newborns

I love newborn babies! There isn’t anything else like holding a newborn baby in your arms, knowing that not too long ago the spirit inside this tiny little baby was living with our Heavenly Father. There is a sweet sense of purity and innocence about them. It is wonderful to know that we start life free of sin and free of responsibility, being totally dependent on others. It is also wonderful to know that we can be forgiven of our sins and that we have the opportunity to make choices for ourselves, to learn and grow. Hopefully most of those choices bring us happiness and joy.

Here is my new favourite newborn:

130. Today I am grateful for paid vacation

Since moving to Edmonton, I have taken at least 2 weeks’ vacation between semesters to go home. However, this is my first time not being a student but luckily I work for a place where I was able to take 2 weeks off for the Christmas holidays. It is also my first paid vacation!

129. Today I am grateful for a new year

Happy New Year! I had a great New Years Eve party, dancing with my nieces. All 3 of them stayed up to welcome in the New Year and loved dancing, counting down and watching the fireworks, because in the USA anyone can light off fireworks in the neighbourhood. Of course it was wonderful to welcome a new baby into the family on New Year’s Day as well.  

I enjoy reflecting on the past year and anticipating what the next year has in store. I am a goal-setter and also enjoy setting and accomplishing New Year resolutions. While I feel that it is important to look to the future and determine what I can do to progress in various areas of my life; I also feel that it is important to remember the past and enjoy those memories with people and places and things of days past .... or Auld Lang Syne.

128.Today I am grateful to have a nephew!

Joshua James Lee

Today we welcomed our newest family member and my first nephew, Joshua James Lee. He was born at 1:18pm, weighing 6lbs 14oz and 19” long. I am so grateful he was born while I am visiting here in Utah. He is so precious and I am so in love with him. It will be hard to leave him and his sisters.

We were expecting little Joshua to be born earlier this morning but it was probably better that he wasn’t born until the afternoon as I was able to take the girls to church and give their parents some quite time just before, during and after their new baby’s arrival during their planned home birth. The girls were so good at church and I think with only a handful of cheerios on the ground it was a successful sacrament meeting.

Me holding Joshua for the first time

I called JJ after I had dropped the children off at Primary and nursery for an update and was excited to announce during relief society that Melissa had her baby. Of course the girls were really excited to go home and see their baby brother. Seeing him for the first time was an amazing feeling and was truly one of those moments I will always treasure. When I first went into the room and saw him, Melissa looked up at me and said, “Isn’t he so cute?” I thought that was really precious too. He really is adorable!